Key areas of responsibility include:

• 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.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology preferred; Master's degree 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

Vanda Pharmaceuticals offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and a 401(k) matching program. Vanda is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, or any other protected status designated by law.

Education

• Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)