Scientific Associate II

The Opportunity:

The Scientific Associate II will work within the Immunology preclinical research group to support advances in vaccines through performing and developing serological assays that differentiate new vaccine candidates from current vaccines.

You will contribute to establishment of alternative serological parameters relevant to novel vaccines, develop new or improved assays to measure these parameters, and demonstrate their validity in preclinical animal models for use as exploratory endpoints in early clinical trials.

The Role:

• Investigate the status of innate and adaptive immunity and assess the immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines in animal models and in humans
• Help develop new and/or improved serological assays to help differentiate novel influenza vaccines from current vaccines
• Optimize existing assays and develop new immunoassays for both preclinical and clinical testing of immune responses to novel influenza vaccine candidates
• Perform mammalian cell culture and independently develop, run, analyze, and troubleshoot in vitro assays, such as cell-based activity assays
• Virology assays to include virus titration and microneutralization assays with BSL-2 pathogens
• Follow existing and/or design experimental protocols to improve the efficiency of methods
• Compose and revise protocols, SOPs, technical documents, and present internal reports
• Support daily operations of the laboratory, including ordering laboratory supplies, keeping laboratory inventory current, and maintaining laboratory safety protocols
• Prepare common reagents, media and solutions
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory and lab equipment
• Demonstrate understanding, ownership, and accountability of assigned R&D projects
• Conduct literature review to improve personal understanding and to troubleshoot and advance projects
• Work and with others across R&D departments
• Demonstrate a high level of engagement and contribute to scientific discussions in meetings
• Pursue cross-training opportunities or learn new technologies to fulfill role
• Train on and follow internal procedures to maintain daily lab operation, quality standards, HSE compliance, IP, performance management
• Be a productive team member of the CSL Research group
• Demonstrate CSL Values: Patient Focus, Collaboration, Innovation, Superior Performance, and Integrity
• Help build and promote a positive culture and working environment

Your skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Immunology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field plus 4 years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience; or Master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Immunology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field plus 1 year of pharmaceutical/biotech experience
• Minimum 4 years' laboratory experience with training in a relevant technical discipline e.g., molecular and cellular biology, analytical biochemistry etc.
• Laboratory experience in relevant field, such as virology, immunology or cell biology
• Expertise in cell culture and aseptic technique
• Software skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Preferred skills:

• Expertise in serological techniques (ELISA, HAI, MN, ELLA, etc.)
• Expertise in cellular techniques (flow cytometry, ELISpot, activation/proliferation)
• Experience in assay development and optimization
• Expertise related to virology, including virus production and characterization
• Experience in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) research environment
• Experience with multiplex assays (such as MSD or Luminex technologies)
• Experience in microscopy, Cytation 5, or CTL Immunospot analyzers
• Perform statistical analysis with software such as GraphPad Prism, etc.