Vanda Pharmaceuticals · 1 day ago
Research Scientist & Cell Assay Specialist
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
2+ years expVanda Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with high unmet medical needs. The Research Scientist & Cell Assay Specialist will maintain cell line cultures, prepare specimens for analysis, and perform various laboratory tests while ensuring compliance with established standards.
BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth Care
Responsibilities
Maintains cell line cultures (growth, extraction of specimens)
Prepares specimens for analysis; aliquots, transports and distributes specimens
Maintains tracking information for specimens
Coordinates prioritization, receipt and delivery of laboratory specimens
Verifies accurate documentation relative to specimen processing
Accepts or rejects specimens according to established standards and performs specimen investigation procedures to resolve lab specimen issues or problems
Runs RNA and protein assays with necessary troubleshooting
Demonstrates an understanding of the theory and scientific principles of laboratory testing as well as the technical, procedural and problem-solving aspects
Performs and interprets tests at all complexity levels
Correlates abnormal laboratory data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results and the need for additional tests
Determines the validity of test results through the monitoring and/or verifying of quality controls, standards, etc
Communicates test results, reference ranges, specimen requirements, and other pertinent information to authorized sources
Assumes responsibility for good documentation practices and maintains clear and legible records
Accumulates data from analyses, prepares charts, graphs, statistical tables for presentation to Research Staff Supervisor for final analysis
The successful candidate will assist with general lab duties, protocols and compliance responsibilities, and will be proactively involved in assigned research
Maintains instrumentation and equipment along with its cleanliness
Performs preventive maintenance and record keeping procedures
Maintains appropriate workstation supplies and inventory
Develops and designs multiple assays for screening in-vitro and in-vivo biological targets
Collects and interprets data for biomarker and biological characterization assays including cell-based, multiplexed protein assays, polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry methods
Develops biochemical assays for lead validation and optimization for disease-related targets to predict outcome in supporting development by enabling earlier decision making, reducing investment risk and avoiding late phase failures
Emphasis may be development of biochemical assays for high throughput screening. May oversee screening operations, including scheduling, assay performance and data flow
May work with manufacturing and quality control to develop tests, as well as analyze and report results
Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analyses
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology preferred
Minimum of two years of progressive lab experience (independent/leading role preferred); 5+ years preferred
Typical physical demands include visual acuity and the ability to distinguish colors; manual dexterity to handle specimens diagnose/troubleshoot equipment; may require extended periods of sitting, standing and walking, light lifting may be required
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Minimum of two years of progressive lab experience (independent/leading role preferred)
5+ years preferred
Benefits
Health insurance
Unlimited paid time off
Parental leave
A 401k matching program
And other benefits to its employees.
Company
Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Vanda is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Vanda Pharmaceuticals has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (5)
2024 (7)
2023 (4)
2022 (1)
2021 (7)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$72.5M2014-10-29Post Ipo Equity· $54M
2006-04-12IPO
2004-10-01Series B· $18.5M
Leadership Team
Joakim Wijkstrom
Senior Vice President | Chief Marketing Officer | Executive Leadership Team
Recent News
2026-01-06
2026-01-05
2026-01-03
Company data provided by crunchbase