SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) · 8 hours ago
Automation and Assay Research Scientist
Frederick, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expThe Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies is a fast-growing government service provider, and they are seeking an Automation and Assay Research Scientist to support their government customer. The role involves developing and executing high-throughput screening projects and novel assays, as well as maintaining robotic instruments and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidance.
AssociationBiotechnologyCommunitiesGovernmentInformation Technology
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Assist in the development, execution, and evaluation of high-throughput in vitro screening projects for the antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas and assist in the development of novel assays/methods for various programs. Will assist in screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy to support mcm development
Be proficient in using automated liquid handling systems such as beckman biomek, perkin elmer janus, viaflo, viafill, multi-drop combi and HP dispensers and be familiar with handling of therapeutic small molecules and compound management. Perform compound treatment to evaluate therapeutic small molecules for enzymatic/ antibacterial/ antiviral/antitoxin activity. In vitro assays include enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays, minimum inhibitory concentration (mic) and plaque assays
Be required to write new work-flows associated with the automation instruments in support of any new high-throughput screening assay and may include combination studies and similar. The assist in data analysis using Spotfire and Genedata
Perform basic molecular biology techniques to support creation of novel cell or enzymatic based assays for evaluation of MCM and have experience in setting up in vitro enzymatic assays such as kinases, proteases and similar
Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. May be expected to present research findings at a scientific conference. Present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested
Be responsible for assessing and maintaining all the robotic instruments and associated laboratory supplies. Will assess supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with division resources. Will ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all applicable regulatory guidance
Prepare and provide a therapeutic screening scientific research technical progress report as requested
Present research findings/presentations at monthly lab meetings and attend scientific discussion weekly meetings
Qualification
Required
MS and six (6) years' experience or PhD and at least three (3) years' experience
MS Office, including Access
Working knowledge of FDA Animal Rule
Working knowledge of the Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry
Experience drafting/editing/reviewing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
Experience designing and executing studies relevant to their area of expertise as demonstrated by their publication record or industry experience
Must possess deep analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze, interpret, draw conclusions from data and write final reports
Experience optimizing bioanalytical parameters for Investigational New Drug studies in a GLP environment
Experience with full, partial, and cross validations at the scientist level
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
U.S. Citizen
Must pass NACI background check
Must be willing to work in a BSL 3/4 laboratory
Must be eligible to enroll in the BPRP and CS-PRP programs
Benefits
401K plan with company match
Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
11 paid holidays
Company
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)
SLAS, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, is a tax exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Vicki Loise
CEO
Amy Wilkinson
Director, Global Events and Corporate Partnerships
Recent News
2025-10-23
News-Medical.Net
2025-10-03
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