Research Associate I

Research Associate I   

Location: Virginia Beach, VA (on-site)   

Department: Research & Development   

Job Type: Full-Time   

Shift: 7:30 AM - 4:15 p.m., Monday – Friday, overtime and on-call as needed   

Classification: Clinical   

LifeNet Health is searching for talented individuals who will embrace our mission of saving lives, restoring health, and giving hope.    

LifeNet Health, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the largest nonprofit organ procurement organization (“OPO”) and tissue processor in the United States, as well as a leading innovator in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to improve the quality of human life through the provision of organs, tissues and cells for transplantation; to provide innovation in the fields of bio-implants, regenerative medicine and research; and, to serve the community with educational and support services that enhance the donation process.  LifeNet Health has over 1200 employees and has a growing global presence.   

How you will contribute to LifeNet Health’s success:   

The Research Associate I participates in the planning, executing, documenting, analyzing, and reporting of research and validation efforts.  Performs complex testing with cell or tissue samples.  Maintains essential laboratory records and team-specific Research and Development processing consumable inventories. Supports training on test methods, assays, processing procedures, and equipment/instrument operations.      

What you’ll do:   

•  Conducts experiments independently to support new products and technology development, including associated process/equipment development and optimization in compliance with LifeNet policy, LifeNet procedures, and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Makes detailed observations, documents, analyzes, and summarizes collected data into effective technical reports under minimal supervision. 
• Develops protocols and experimental designs with minimal supervision required to support assigned research, including new graft and equipment development, as well as product development, manufacturing, and validation initiatives. Supports “troubleshooting” activities for ongoing experimental procedures including graft production and assays.
• Provides assistance in the development of new assays, test methods, and protocols pertaining to research objectives as needed. Assists in the development, writing, and modification of SOPs and forms, and test method validation.
• Conducts appropriate literature reviews when necessary, to begin or support research projects and reports. Provides timely and effective communication (written and oral) of procedures, observations, and results.
• Reviews and maintains team-specific research and Research and Development processing consumable inventories assisting in product acquisitions from internal and external vendors according to established procedures.
• Supports establishment of essential training requirements related to processes and equipment and provides effective training of staff on the operation of equipment and tools with advanced complexity. All other duties as assigned.

What you’ll bring (Minimum Requirements):   

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of related work experience in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.

Preferred Experience/Skills/Certifications:   

• Master's Degree in Life Sciences or related from an accredited college or university.

 These would be nice too (Knowledge Skills and Abilities):   

• Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in Laboratory Skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Microsoft Suite.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate and build relationships with all professionals at different levels within the organization.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize multiple, competing priorities and manage time/workload. Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple time sensitive projects, multi-task, identify project interdependencies and potential risks/pitfalls.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to perform tasks thoroughly and with care; checks work to ensure high degree of accuracy/completeness and early/on-time delivery.
• Scientific Knowledge: A knowledge of anatomy as well as cellular biology. Basic understanding of chemistry to include chemical interactions and being able to use mathematic formulas to make different concentrations of chemicals.  

Why work at LifeNet Health?   

We have a fierce drive for our mission of Saving Lives, Restoring Health, and Giving Hope. You will not find another company with a culture as strong as ours.   

• 403(b) and Profit Sharing Plan
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Corporate sponsored events for employees
• Work-life balance with generous paid time off to include vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal career, skill, and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness Program (gym reimbursement, monthly wellness webinars, mental health toolkit, financial resources, and much more)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and members of their household
• Dedicated and passionate co-workers

The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location and the candidate’s qualifications and prior relevant experience. The pay range for this position is $24.16 hourly (entry-level qualifications) to $32.21 hourly (experienced in this role). *   

*Actual compensation may be higher based on the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience.   

This position is eligible for an annual bonus once eligibility criteria are met.     

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and LifeNet Health reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice, unless otherwise required by law.  Further, nothing in this posting is intended to alter the “at will” relationship of a successful candidate and this posting does not constitute a specific promise.   

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Vet. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.