Cellular Analytics Research Associate

At Vitalant, the impact you make doing work that is purposeful, meaningful, and worthwhile is vital. As a member of our non-profit organization, you can be impact-inspired to provide vital clinical services to communities nationwide, vital products to those in need of a donor's generosity, or vital scientific research that advances blood safety worldwide.

Work Shift (if applicable):

Job Description:

Working under Principal Scientist and Sr Scientist, this role supports all projects assigned to lab which may include any aspect of -- translates client and internal scientific objectives into executable study plans, budgets, and timelines, conducts hands-on laboratory work, analyzes complex cellular data, and delivers high-quality reports and recommendations to clients and internal leadership.

This position plays a critical role in enabling client studies ranging from early research to IND-enabling and clinical studies to support development and commercialization of advanced therapies.

What to Expect:

Base Pay: $72,592-$95,825.60

Location: 850 N. 5th Street Ste 604, Phoenix AZ 85004

Schedule: Monday - Friday Days -- NOTE: this role will need to be flexible with hours based on project and lab needs. May need to work some Weekends as needed for Lab/Project.

Our comprehensive total rewards support you, your family, and your future with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401K + 5% company match

• Tuition assistance up to $5k per year

• Free basic life and AD&D insurance

• Free short-and-long-term disability insurance

• Paid time off

• Employee Resource Groups

• Recognition and perks

As a Sr Research Associate you will get to support and work "hands on" with:

• Perform cell isolation, processing, and cryopreservation for autologous/allogeneic workflows.

• Execute analytical testing of cellular materials (viability, phenotype, purity, potency, metabolic profiling, cytokine secretion).

• Operate instrumentation including multi-laser flow cytometers/spectral systems, cell sorters, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA/plate readers, imaging and impedance platforms.

• Maintain aseptic technique in biological safety cabinets and adhere to BSL-2 biosafety practices.

• Manage sample receipt, labeling, inventory, and storage in LN₂ vapor and mechanical freezers.

• Develop and review SOPs and qualification documents.

  Follow SOPs; contribute to authoring/revising SOPs and qualification documentation as platforms come online.

• Document results in LIMS/ELN, perform data analysis, and generate reports for internal programs and client studies.

• Support equipment calibration, preventative maintenance, and daily readiness of the laboratory.

Requirements:

Knowledge/Education

• BS in Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related field (required).

• Masters preferred

Experience

• 4 years hands-on experience in cell therapy processing, development, or analytics (required).

• 2 years with Masters in applicable studies.

Skills/Abilities

• Practical proficiency with flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA/plate-based assays, and molecular assays (qPCR and/or ddPCR).

• Ability to work safely with human-derived samples, chemicals, and cryogens; strong adherence to SOPs and documentation.

• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.

Location:

Job Category:

Contact Information: [email protected]

If you are impact-inspired to help others, and making a difference is vital for you, you'll experience a career built on purpose, a company created to care, and a team committed to lead - together.