About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA (Clinical Diagnostics).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

Confidential Client is seeking a Research Associate II to support research, development, verification, and optimization of molecular diagnostic products and reagents. This on-site role in Gaithersburg, MD contributes to product development, manufacturing support, and quality documentation under established GLP/GMP and ISO processes.

• Perform molecular biology techniques: nucleic acid purification, gel electrophoresis, RNA transcription, DNA/RNA processing, PCR (endpoint, qPCR, digital PCR)
• Conduct nucleic acid analysis (RNA/DNA integrity, real-time qPCR, digital PCR) and interpret results
• Culture and process bacterial and mammalian cells using aseptic techniques
• Manufacture product components following SOPs and work instructions
• Maintain accurate lab records and documentation meeting GLP/GMP and ISO standards
• Operate, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment; escalate out-of-spec results
• Organize project data using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and document control systems (e.g., EtQ)
• Plan and maintain reagent inventory; order materials through ERP (e.g., SAP)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver custom OEM/special projects
• Support continuous improvement efforts to boost efficiency and data quality
• Assist with SOP and work instruction development and revision
• Follow Confidential Client PPE, safety, and quality requirements
• Perform additional duties assigned to meet business needs

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Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or related scientific discipline (no prior experience required); OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific discipline with relevant laboratory experience
• Hands-on experience with DNA/RNA purification, PCR (endpoint, qPCR, digital PCR), electrophoresis
• Aseptic technique experience and cell culture skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document and present results clearly

Preferred / Desired

• 3+ years laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics or related fields
• Experience supporting third-party customer product development and manufacturing
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and viral cultures
• Experience training or mentoring junior staff
• Proficiency with ERP systems (IFS, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics)
• Experience working under ISO 13485 and in GMP-regulated environments

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Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range: $27.00 — $41.00 USD per hour (based on experience/education; entry-level typically $27–$30/hr)
• Eligible for discretionary bonus program
• Benefits (US-based employees) include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
  • FSA/HSA pre-tax savings plans
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Company-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance
  • Flexible work options, PTO that begins immediately
  • Enhanced parental leave, pet insurance, and other employee programs

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Work Arrangement

• On-site — Gaithersburg, MD

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.