Research Scientist

Who you are: 

The science team at Vital is seeking a passionate and creative scientist to fill the role of Research  Scientist - Clinical Chemistry (level depending on experience, see below). We’re looking for a teammate proficient in the planning and execution of experiments, maintaining equipment, preparing high-quality reagents, and performing various biochemistry laboratory techniques.

As a Research Scientist at Vital, you will be working to develop and validate our next-generation diagnostic assays, supporting your team to achieve ambitious goals.

We are constantly optimizing our lab to help push science forward at unprecedented rates. In this role, you will be working in a fast-paced lab environment involving substantial bench work to troubleshoot and optimize our next-generation diagnostic assays. You will be expected and encouraged to actively contribute to our product development direction, and present novel procedural and scientific concepts that will positively impact all aspects of Vital’s operations.

What you will be doing:

• Conduct initial concept and investigational work aimed at developing new methodologies for clinical chemistry assays for use in a novel assay platform;

• Design and execute experiments to characterize and drive the development and optimization of reagents used in clinical chemistry assays;

• Develop, qualify, and/or implement analytical tools for reagent characterization, in-process testing and/or product stability;

• Troubleshoot technical issues during assay development and optimization.

• Monitor analytical metrics to confirm method reproducibility and consistency. 

• Writing and reviewing protocols and reports describing analytical assays contributing to regulatory filings;

• Transferring methods to other internal or external partners and supporting the collaboration through timely result analysis;

• Communicating analytical results to peers and leadership to support decision-making, and collaborating with development teams to support goals and timelines;

• Managing multiple tasks and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What you will need:

• Scientist level will depend on degree of experience:

  • Scientist I - III: Bachelors or Masters Degree with 3+ years of laboratory experience or a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related field plus 0-3 years of postdoctoral experience (industry experience a plus)

    • Senior Scientist: PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related field plus a minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral experience in an industry

• A minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral academic and/or industrial or clinical laboratory experience in a related field with a proven track record of laboratory success;

• Fluent in chemistry with a particular emphasis and familiarity with clinical chemistry analytes and applications;

• Fundamental understanding of kinetic rate theory and competent in math, statistical analysis, and physics;

• Proven success working with bi-molecular reactions, assay design, and/or product development is an asset;

• Ability to manage and adapt to frequently changing job functions and priorities;

• Ability to rapidly learn new techniques and approaches;

• Ability to communicate results and concepts concisely and effectively to scientist and non-scientist audiences;

• Ability to interface effectively with consumable, hardware, and software engineers.

Bonus points for:

• Past experience constructing or working with enzymatic assays for medical diagnostic applications;

• Contributions to pre-clinical or clinical validation of a medical device or detection technique;

• Familiarity with multidisciplinary teams working to achieve a challenging research goal;

• Some knowledge of microfluidics, developing hardware or basic programming;

• Having a mind open to meaningful scientific discourse and curiosity, willing to debate and propose solutions that are purposeful and add value towards developing a life-changing product that meets customer needs.