Research Scientist

Description

• A Research Associate to support our drug discovery and characterization efforts.
• Solves routine problems of limited scope and complexity.
• Will leverage various CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to enable genetic/multiplexed cell line screens to support early and late stage drug mechanism of action studies.
• Assist senior team members in performing the totality of the screening process, including cell line engineering, cell treatment experiments, NGS library preparation, and target validation.
• Execute cellular and molecular biology protocols in the laboratory
• Maintain cancer cell lines and establish new stable lines via lentiviral transduction
• Validate engineered cell lines by reporter assays and PCR
• Perform genetic targeting using siRNA, shRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 technology for cell line characterization and screening
• Conduct routine molecular and cellular experiments including gDNA and RNA isolation, PCR, cloning, western blot analysis, flow cytometry, and microplate cell proliferation assays
• Identify experimental issues, troubleshoot, and recommend a corrective course of action
• Design experiments and protocol optimization in collaboration with senior researchers
• Maintain details lab notebooks and record data in electronic notebook in accordance with company policy
• Communicate results in written and oral presentation
  
  

Required Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Biology
• 2+ years of wet lab experience (not including lab classes): experience in mammalian cell culture is required.
• Basic molecular biology skills (PCR especially; familiarity with library prep preferred)
• Proficient in laboratory math (dilutions, cell count-based plating)
• Excellent organizational skills and record-keeping (Excel and PowerPoint)
• Common skills and techniques used will include: mammalian cell culture, lentiviral transduction, DNA/protein isolation, PCR, flow cytometry, and western blot.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and will be capable of working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Must demonstrate the ability to multi-task and prioritize time management of daily activities to deliver timely results.
• Wet lab research experience is required.
• Familiarity with core industry and lab practices and standards.
  
  

Benefits

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.