Research Associate I - Bioservices

About iQ Biosciences

iQ Biosciences is a contract research organization dedicated to providing immunology research bioservices and biospecimens, enabling preclinical research studies. We serve as a trusted partner for the biomedical community and help deliver innovative therapeutics for physicians and patients. iQ Biosciences fosters a company culture of employee inclusion, accountability, integrity, and a shared sense of team urgency, knowing that patients are waiting with critical needs.

We are entering a dynamic growth phase and are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to join our Bioservices group. This position offers high growth potential, as the company continues to establish a strong team, and provides a great learning opportunity to encounter the different approaches that drug development companies, from start-ups to big pharma, are taking to improve human health in the immunology and the oncology therapeutic areas.
https://iqbiosciences.com/
We will commence the resume review process on January 2nd following the holiday break.

Position Description: Research Associate I; Bioservices – Immunology

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the execution of therapeutic antibody or small molecule immunoassays and cell-based assays, conducted for research, preclinical, and early drug development projects. This position requires basic knowledge of cellular immunology and experience with tissue culture. The ideal candidate will be able to follow basic protocols and retain knowledge through diligent note taking, deferring more complex issues, and working independently and collaboratively. The individual will develop skills sufficient for executing and interpreting assay results and preparing/presenting data summaries for clients or internal R&D use. The position may require training new hires and/or coaching/ mentoring a subordinate group. This is an ideal position for the candidate who is comfortable in a psychologically safe, but candid, start-up work environment and open to having multiple mentors (technical, business, career, and life) within iQ Biosciences challenging him/her/them to reach their full potential.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Report to project leader for assignments and execute assigned studies as they apply to different contract research projects, or internal research and development (R&D) projects.
• Plan, perform, and analyze assays to biophysically characterize, elucidate mechanisms of action, and enable selection of antibodies based on ELISA, cell line binding, specificity, cell cytotoxicity, internalization, cytokine release, proliferation, ADCC, ADCP, and CDC or other assays.

• Based on a study proposal, generate and update highly detailed Excel files containing all experimental details.
• QC and export data generated on instruments, including high throughput flow cytometer and plate reader.
• Sort data and visualize with the appropriate graph, adhering to iQ’s standards of data presentation.
• Create data summaries for clients, adhering to iQ’s standards of data presentation.

• Planning and analysis will be executed independently, after proficient completion of designated training, although work product will be reviewed by managers or colleagues.
• Brainstorm trouble-shooting ideas for standard assays.
• Learn about the background of client programs or service offerings by attending informal whiteboard sessions with the team, attending conferences, reading high impact publications or vendor resources suggested by manager, etc.
• Communicate with external vendors for troubleshooting of reagents and equipment and quote generation.
• Utilize project management software (Zoho) and inventory system (LIMS).
• Assist in the creation of formal reports, including locating and updating appropriate data sheets.

Auxiliary Responsibilities:

• Receive & monitor client test articles for usage.
• Package materials for shipment and arrange couriers for transport of cells/materials.
• Deliver packages to carrier hub location.
• Inventory, re-stock & order supplies.
• Manage and update client information related to Bioservices.

Required:

• B.S. with 0-2 years of laboratory experience in the areas of Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience with sterile technique, preferably mammalian cell culture.
• Excellent oral presentation and communication skills.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work as a member of a small team is key. Commit and contribute to a high functioning team of enthusiastic, collaborative, supportive individuals.
• General Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people, internally and externally.
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Highly adaptive and flexible.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 40 pounds approximately 0 to 1 time per day/shift.

Activity: Lifting Large Shipping Boxes

Frequency: 0-1 time(s) per day

• Item Dimensions: 18”H x 12” W x 13” D

Weight: 40 lbs.

Starting Height: 43”

• Finish Height: 0”

Distance from Body: 5”

• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds approximately 5 to 10 times per day/shift.

Activity: Lifting Liquid Nitrogen Racks

Frequency: ~5-10 times per day

• Item Dimensions: 33” H x 6” W x 6” D

Weight: 25 lbs.

Starting Grip Height: 43”

• Finish Grip Height: 60”

Distance from Body: 14”

• Must be able to stand and walk continuously throughout an 8-hour shift.
• Must comply with laboratory policies and procedures.

Preferred:

• A strong desire to learn about pharmaceutical/biotech drug discovery and development.
• Technical Computer Software literacy, including GraphPad Prism, Softmax, and Flow Cytometry based applications (CellQuest, FACSDiva, and FlowJo).

General:

• Full-time, hourly, nonexempt position, subject to FLSA and California overtime regulations.
• Must be able to work Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• May require occasional night and/or weekend work.
• This is a 100% on-site position located in Alameda, CA, with occasional travel as needed.
• Starting range $27.88-$31.73 per hour, based on experience. Full position range $27.88 to $37.50 per hour.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401K with employer match (after 90 days introductory period), paid holidays, PTO, and free lunch/snacks.