Associate Research Scientist – Molecular Biology

Associate Research Scientist – Molecular Biology

Department

Molecular Biology

Associate Director Molecular Biology

The Associate Research Scientist position is responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing molecular biology experiments with a focus on single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, ddPCR, qPCR, western-blot, and related techniques. This role includes assay development, validation, troubleshooting, study reporting, and SOP generation. The Associate Research Scientist will work both independently and collaboratively with technicians and scientists across teams. The ideal candidate should possess deep technical expertise in molecular biology, strong data interpretation skills, and the ability to support method development in a regulated environment.

Work Location

None

Type of Role

Full Time (40 hours per week)

Exemption from Overtime

Essential Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day engagement and performance of Research Technicians assigned to active studies or method development work.
• Support onboarding and skills development of lab personnel through training and ongoing mentorship in molecular biology techniques and data integrity.
• Ensure team compliance with SOPs, safety procedures, and project-specific technical standards.
• Leadership:
  Independently lead the planning, execution, and reporting of molecular biology components within assigned projects. Contribute as a scientific lead sponsor-funded studies, including exploratory and regulatory-aligned non-GLP studies, and internal R&D method validation initiatives.
• Assay Development & Validation:
  Develop, optimize, and validate qPCR, ddPCR, and single-cell sequencing assays in alignment with study goals. Generate and maintain validation documentation consistent with internal quality frameworks.
• Molecular Assay Execution : Conduct hands-on benchwork for molecular studies, ensuring high technical reproducibility and data integrity in nucleic acid quantification, gene expression profiling, and biomarker discovery.
• Study Reporting:
  Analyze molecular results, prepare formal study summaries, and contribute data sections to final sponsor reports. Work closely with Study Directors and QA to ensure report clarity, scientific accuracy, and regulatory alignment.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation:
  Use bioinformatics tools, statistical software, and custom pipelines to interpret single-cell and PCR-based datasets. Present findings to internal stakeholders and external collaborators as needed.
• SOP & Documentation: Draft and maintain SOPs for molecular assays, instruments, and workflows. Ensure complete and compliant documentation in electronic notebooks and study folders.
• Lab & Inventory Oversight:
  Monitor lab supplies and reagent inventories. Coordinate instrument calibration and troubleshooting with equipment vendors or internal support teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner with study director teams and histopathology to align timelines, share data, and support integrated study execution.
• Safety & Compliance :
  Promote and adhere to laboratory safety practices, including proper PPE usage and handling of biohazards and chemicals. Participate in regular safety and quality training sessions.

Qualifications

• Education level/Certifications/Licensures
• PhD in molecular biology or life sciences with 0-2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience
• Experience
  • 0-2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience preferable
  • Demonstrated experience in assay optimization, validation, and troubleshooting
  • Experience in analyzing complex data sets and interpreting experimental results
  • Experience in technical reporting and contributing to formal study reports
  • Strong hands-on experience with single-cell sequencing, ddPCR, and qPCR
  • Ideally spatial transcriptomics experience
• Specific competencies
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and technical writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and time pressured environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Clear and timely communication with team members across departments
• Ability to train and guide junior team members effectively
• Fluency with artificial intelligence
• Ability to travel to Virscio's St. Kitts test site up to 25%