Job Title: Scientist – In Vitro Global Safety Pharmacology
Location: Groton, CT
Duration: 12+ months
Pay Rate: $46.77/hr. on w2
Job Description:
(Non-PhD)

• We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Research Associate to support in vitro pharmacology and assay development activities in a fast-paced research laboratory.
• This role is primarily focused on executing plate-based biological assays, operating specialized laboratory instrumentation, generating high-quality experimental data, and performing data analysis.
• The ideal candidate will have hands-on industry experience with high-throughput, plate-based assay systems and be comfortable working independently in a laboratory environment with minimal training.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory experiments using plate-based assay platforms.
• Operate and maintain data quality for specialized laboratory instrumentation, including fluorescence-based plate reader systems.
• Execute in vitro pharmacology and biological assays according to established protocols.
• Support high-throughput screening and assay workflows.
• Culture and maintain cell lines for experimental use.
• Analyze experimental data and ensure accuracy through quality control procedures.
• Prepare and organize datasets, summaries, and experimental results for review.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory team members to support ongoing research activities.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and maintain accurate experimental records.
• Assist with bringing outsourced assay activities back into internal laboratory operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in an industry or research setting.
• Experience with FLIPR (Fluorescence Imaging Plate Reader) or comparable fluorescence-based plate reader technology.
• Experience conducting plate-based biological assays.
• Cell culture experience.
• Experience working with laboratory instrumentation and associated software platforms.
• Ability to generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in in vitro pharmacology.
• Experience supporting high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows.
• Familiarity with fluorescence-based assay technologies.
• Experience using GraphPad Prism for data analysis.
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Prior experience working in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract research organization (CRO) environment.
• Familiarity with assay transfer, assay validation, or laboratory process implementation.
• Preferred Candidate Profile
• Candidates with experience in plate-based, high-throughput laboratory environments will be strongly preferred. This position is best suited for individuals who have worked with laboratory automation and assay-driven workflows rather than candidates whose experience is primarily focused on animal handling, tissue dissection, histology, or imaging-based animal studies.

Work Environment

• Primarily laboratory-based role.
• Significant time spent conducting experiments and operating instrumentation.
• Remaining time dedicated to data analysis, quality control, and documentation.
• Daily interaction with a small, collaborative laboratory team.
• Onsite presence required.
• Success Factors
• Proven hands-on laboratory skills.
• Experience with FLIPR or similar plate-reader technologies.
• Strong experimental execution and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to quickly integrate into an established laboratory workflow.
• Commitment to producing accurate, reproducible, and high-quality scientific data.

Summary:
The main function of a Bench Scientist is to execute laboratory-based experiments that support scientific research, product development, and technical investigations. This role involves hands-on work with analytical and characterisation techniques, contributing directly to data generation, method optimisation, and problem-solving. Bench Scientists differ from lab assistants in that they are responsible for the execution and interpretation of scientific protocols, often working closely with research leads to inform decision-making.
Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments using established scientific methods to support research and development objectives.
• Prepare and analyse samples using appropriate instrumentation and techniques.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in compliance with GLP and internal standards.
• Collaborate with scientists and project teams to troubleshoot issues and interpret data.

Skills:

• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and instrumentation relevant to the scientific discipline.
• Ability to follow and adapt scientific protocols with attention to detail. Strong documentation and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Education/Experience:

• Degree in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• 2-4 years experience required.

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