NSS - Product Development Associate

Position: Product Development Associate

Job Type: Part-time, Temporary

Company Overview:

Network Services & Support (NSS), Inc. is a customer-focused reseller and integrator of today's leading-edge networking technologies. NSS is located on the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology campus in Cummings Research Park.

General Description

A candidate for this position must demonstrate high initiative, adaptability, technical expertise, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment. The Part-Time, Temporary Product Development Associate will support the team in project-oriented tasks including assay integration, optimization, and validation of assays on microfluidic prototypes and devices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Work well in a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Plan and execute experiments for characterizing and troubleshooting microfluidic prototypes.

• Ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts in areas of molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or physics.

• Eagerness to learn and apply advancing concepts and technologies and ability to learn new technologies quickly.

• Be capable of identifying issues which may adversely affect experimental performance and apply technical expertise to aid in troubleshooting.

• Exhibit excellent laboratory skills, including aseptic technique, pipetting proficiency, and reagent preparation.

• Perform standard laboratory calculations, including reagent preparations and serial dilutions.

• Facilitate experiments in a BSL-2+ laboratory, including handling of infectious agents or specimens and performing microbial culture.

• Perform experiments with meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

• Maintain detailed laboratory records of all procedures, data, and analyses.

• Prepare project-oriented deliverables, tasks, schedules, and reports.

• Ability to manage individual project tasks with minimal supervision and prioritize individual tasks contributing to project and team success.

• Ensure timely and efficient completion of tasks.

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external collaborators.

• Prepare, edit, and review standard operating procedures and work instructions.

• Help maintain laboratory inventory of supplies, reagents, and equipment.

• Participate in job specific training.

• Prepare to wear closed toe shoes daily.

• Comply with company health, safety, and environmental policies.

• Be a team player and collaborator with a positive attitude.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master's degree in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering (or related discipline) with at least one year of research laboratory experience or a Bachelor's degree in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering (or related discipline) with 3+ years research laboratory experience.

• Fundamental knowledge of physics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or analytical chemistry is required.

• Applied experience in microfluidic device design, characterization, development, and/or assay integration is required.

• Prior experience with PCR is preferred.

• Experience in fluorescence-based laboratory techniques is preferred.

• Prior demonstration of initiative working independently and as part of a team.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, graphs, and presentations

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).

• Constant moving during hosted events.

• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to maintain computers and audio/visual equipment in the classroom/laboratory.

• Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds of materials

• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).

• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).

• Workspace is generally an indoor office setting and in other common areas throughout HudsonAlpha with controlled temperature conditions.

• Occasional exposure to outdoor environment during portions of the workday including extreme cold or hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions.

Mental Functions

• Maintain emotional control under stress.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.

It is the policy of NSS, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.