Research Associate 2, Flow Cytometry Core
Location San Rafael, California Workstyle Onsite Only ApplyWho We Are
BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that relentlessly pursues bold science to translate genetic discoveries into new medicines that advance the future of human health.
Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the underlying causes of genetic conditions to create transformative medicines, using a number of treatment modalities.
Using our unparalleled expertise in genetics and molecular biology, we develop medicines for patients with significant unmet medical need. We enlist the best of the best – people with the right technical expertise and a relentless drive to solve real problems – and create an environment that empowers our teams to pursue bold, innovative science. With this distinctive approach to drug discovery, we’ve produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical and preclinical candidates that have well-understood biology and provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a substantial benefit over existing therapeutic options.
About Worldwide Research and Development
From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our WWRD engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with genetic diseases.
About the Center of Technology
The Center of Technology (CoTe) is a centralized laboratory built around platform technologies and made available to scientists and physicians across Research and Development of BioMarin. The Cytometry Core within the CoTe is a resource for collaboration and provides access to flow cytometry, imaging cytometry and cell biology expertise, instrumentation, and training to our colleagues across all Research and Early Development groups.
SUMMARY
BioMarin is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate II to join the Cytometry Core within our Center of Technology (CoTe) in the Research and Early Development (RED) group. This position will work alongside the Cytometry Core Lead Scientist and actively work in partnership with other members of the Research, Translational Sciences, and Clinical Sciences groups to maximize access and impact of state-of-the-art flow cytometry and imaging technologies to answer key scientific questions for candidate therapies in BioMarin’s pipeline. A strong applicant will be a person who actively seeks feedback, looks for opportunity to make an impact, and has a philosophy of perpetual improvement. A successful candidate will be expected to build collaborative relationships with a diverse range of internal scientific teams ranging from existing experts in cytometry, to new researchers learning flow cytometry, to physicians and scientists that do not have laboratories or expertise with flow cytometry. This position requires onsite attendance, work in a laboratory will be expected five days a week.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with the Lead Scientist to run a Shared Resource Lab facility, including running experiments for diverse clients across RED
Develop cytometry assays to meet project needs including sample preparation, tissue digestion for live single cells, flow cytometry, high content microscopy and imaging cytometry as needed
Work with RED scientists to enable them to execute experiments utilizing flow cytometry and cell sorting
Assist Lead Scientist to operate and maintain existing cytometry analysis and sorting equipment, computer systems, and ancillary equipment
Assist in the training of new users, especially practical machine training and continued learning for scientists new to the technology; Provide advice and answer basic questions about flow cytometry technology and experimental design
Set up, troubleshoot, and execute flow cytometry, cell culture, and primary cell isolation experiments with supervision; Analyze flow cytometry and experimental data with guidance
Thoroughly document procedures and results; present results in group meetings and to internal collaborators
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 2+ years lab-based experience in flow cytometry in addition to 2 years of general lab experience
Individual must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with diverse users with a wide range of expertise; Ability to communicate effectively, give oral presentations and write reports
Experience operating and maintaining Cytometry Analyzers and Cell Sorters
Experience with multi-parameter fluorophore experiments including flow cytometry panel design, fluorescence compensation and data analysis in FCS Express or similar software
Experience with Biosafety Level 2 cell culture of human cell lines and primary cells
Collaborative skills and experience working in a cross-functional environment
Flexibility, willingness to accept new responsibilities and project ownership
Handle and prioritize multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment, be highly organized
Be diligent and detail-oriented
Interact with team members in a constructive and proactive manner
DESIRED SKILLS:
Practical experience with neurobiology, neuroimmunology or tissue immunology including preparation of live cells from tissue for cytometry or cell sorting
Experience with in vitro immune cell activation, such as activation of B cells or T cells
Experience with sample preparation for RNA-Seq, or with single cell RNA-Seq, Genomics or Multi-omics
Experience with high content microcopy and/or imaging cytometry
Experience working in a GxP environment
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology or related field, with 4+ years industry/academic experience; OR Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. 2 years of flow cytometry experience is required.
Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
In the U.S., the salary range for this position is $ 77,600 to $ 116,400 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A discretionary bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.