Job Title: Life Sciences Researcher

Description

Life Sciences Researcher

Location: San Diego, California

Department: Life Sciences Research

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: Varies, On-Call Required

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:

As the Life Sciences Researcher you will perform duties relating to the isolation and care of primary cells from tissue. Responsible for leading and coordinating human cell isolation, cell culture, and the cryopreservation of multiple cell types from research tissue samples by optimizing techniques and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Identifies areas for process improvements and implements process changes to improve quality and efficiency as it relates to the care of primary cells from tissue. Designs and executes experimental strategies to validate improvements and changes, as well as, communicates findings clearly and professionally in technical reports. Conducts research and maintains laboratory records in compliance with LifeNet Health (LNH) policy and Good Laboratory Practices. Independently drafts documentation to support lab processes. Responsible for laboratory upkeep, supply inventory, and vendor management. May be engaged for technical support by outside primary cell users as needed and/or directed by management.

What you'll do:
Manages and organizes primary a human cell isolation, including: isolating multiple cell types and complex methods for cell separation and enrichment. Under minimal direction, schedules and tracks cell cultures, banking schedules, and cryopreservation for use in both production and characterization. Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of processes. Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, interprets results and summarizes collected data into effective technical reports.Responsible for the planning and execution of experimental design for improvement testing. Implements and oversees the optimization projects for cell production techniques and methods, primary cell culture conditions and scaling, as well as cryopreservation methods and conditions. Conducts appropriate literature reviews and detailed observations to begin and/or support research projects and reports. Performs complex calculations, data analysis, and interprets results/findings to support optimization and characterization projects. Independently summarizes collected data into effective technical reports.Oversees the qualification, calibration, and preventative maintenance of equipment used during the cell isolation and cryopreservation process. Ensures that the lab is fully stocked and prepared for the isolation of primary cells from donated tissues. Establishes, manages, and maintains vendor relationships related to biohazardous waste, chemical waste, and supply inventory.Creates and revises documentation including SOPs, batch records, work instructions, and product master records encompassing the isolation, characterization, culture and cryopreservation of primary human cells. Accurately and efficiently completes documentation for lab procedures and files completed records. Documents project progress according to departmental protocols. Collaborates with Quality to ensure records are complete and compliant to LifeNet Health's and external standards.Leads the decisions, communications, and logistical processes for managing research cells and tissue samples. Monitor the laboratory to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, guidelines, and/or SOPs. Manages internal inventory database of pre-characterized finished goods. Plans and completes distribution and shipping activities. Diligently tracks movement, usage, and shipping of finished goods. Performs cycle counts and audit trail investigations.Provides direction and training for employees, as it pertains to the safe handling of tissues, isolation of a variety of cell types from multiple tissues, cell culture and cryopreservation techniques. Mentors and develops staff by assigning accountabilities, setting objectives, establishing priorities, and monitoring and evaluating the results.
What you'll bring (Minimum Requirements):
Bachelor of Art's or Bachelor of Science Degree5 years related work experience in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Tissue Banking, Manufacturing Laboratory, and/or Research Laboratory; 7 years preferred
These would be nice too (Knowledge Skills and Abilities):
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate and build relationships with all professionals at different levels within the organizationProficient in PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Microsoft SuiteAble to perform tasks thoroughly and with care; checks work to ensure high degree of accuracy/completeness and early/on-time delivery Able to manage individual activities to meet deadlinesAble 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/pitfallsDemonstrates ability to successfully gather and evaluate pertinent information to draw conclusions and identify potential trends Demonstrates ability to anticipate and critically think through problemsAble to create and revise procedures, technical documents, and other relevant material according to established requirements

Why work at LifeNet Health?

We have a fierce drive for our mission of Saving Lives, Restoring Health, and Giving Hope. You won't find another company with a culture as strong as ours.
403(b) and Pension PlanMedical, dental, and vision coverageCorporate sponsored events (Chili Cook-Off, 5K, Celebration of Life Gala, and many more!)Work-life balance with generous paid time offPaid lunchesTuition reimbursementPersonal career and skill development opportunitiesWellness ProgramFood Truck Thursday (at participating locations)Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Dedicated and passionate co-workers

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.