The Research Associate 1 performs routine activities on the R&D Accessioning team. Works with multidisciplinary teams and performs sample receipt, accessioning, and send out for ongoing research and development studies as part of the Scientific Operations team. Routinely isolates and normalizes plasma from whole blood for downstream processing.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Receive and catalog shipments of biological samples
● Perform safe and proper handling of biological samples
● Enter sample information into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with high accuracy and attention to detail
● Isolate plasma and buffy coat from whole blood using automated or manual processes
● Pool and normalize plasma samples to prepare for downstream processing using automated or manual processes
● Perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance as defined in standard operating procedures
● Recognize equipment and instrument malfunctions and escalate to R&D equipment support team and relevant team members
● Track sample inventory and status using LIMS and/or Google Sheets
● Perform sample inventory reconciliation
● Recognize manifest or sample discrepancies and escalate to supervisor and project manager in a timely manner
● Perform incoming and outgoing biospecimen shipments to/from contract research organizations (CROs),
partners, and collaborators
● Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) and periodically review SOPs and other work instructions
● Draw on well rounded knowledge of routine activities in order to suggest and contribute to process improvements
● Ensure accurate, ethical, and appropriate management of samples in compliance with all applicable federal regulations
● This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and has access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job.
● Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure
Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire
● Performs other duties as specified by manager
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
● Extremely familiar with good pipetting practices (single and multi-channel micropipettes, serological pipettes)
● Working knowledge of LIMS/database query tools
● Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Excel and SQL highly preferred
● Able to operate independently in lab under general supervision with minimal human error
● Experience with laboratory automation is a plus
● Excellent with Google Drive including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
● Team player with demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective working
relationships within functional area
● Ability to thrive in a fast paced, evolving environment, and manage competing priorities
QUALIFICATIONS:
● BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent required
● 0-2 years of related laboratory experience
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
● Duties are typically performed in an office and laboratory setting
● This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone, and read printed material
● May require lifting or moving items weighing up to 30lbs
OUR OPPORTUNITY
Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.
The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!
For more information, visit www.natera.com.
Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.
If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.
Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/
Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.
For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page
