Biochemist Associate

Luna Labs USA is a leading defense contractor in Central Virginia, and a high throughput innovation engine for the aerospace, defense, and healthcare industries. Our diverse capabilities in materials, biotech, and engineered systems allow us to collaborate to address unique and complex problems faced by our customers. We partner with universities, government labs, and the best companies in the world to explore technological feasibility of new ideas, align technologies with customer needs, and generate solutions. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products.

Summary Description

The Biotech Associate Biochemist has experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biological detection/diagnostic device development. Individuals in this role should have significant hands-on experience in immunological assay development and be proficient with qPCR and bio-functionalized nanoparticle assembly. Significant experience with bacterial culture, cell culture, previous work with BSL2 pathogens and biofluids is needed. Experience with HPLC, ELISA, flow cytometry, Mass Spec, and DNA/protein analysis is highly preferred. Professionals in this role contribute to multiple research and development efforts in the Biotech Group, and is responsible for carrying out experimentation, preparing and analyzing data, developing protocols and plans in response to results, and preparing write-ups and presentations on experimental efforts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serves as performer for various laboratory biochemistry, biology, and analytical programs (The primary role is to perform in-lab, hands-on experimentation).
• Performs and executes directed development efforts for medical and environmental detection assays.
• Designs and optimizes molecular and antibody-based protocols.
• Performs mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Develops new methodology as necessary.
• Acquires necessary equipment and supplies for upcoming research.
• Summarizes and interprets raw data.
• Writes clear, concise, and timely technical reports to document significant results.
• Keeps complete notebook of work performed.
• Discusses work performed and future experimentation efforts at weekly meetings.
• Demonstrates and promotes safety.

Requirements – Education/Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biochemistry or other related education.
• A minimum of 2yrs of related experience.
• Familiarity with bacterial culture.
• Demonstrated work with BSL2 pathogens and biofluids.
• Demonstrated experience with HPLC, ELISA, flow cytometry, Mass Spec, and DNA/protein analysis is highly preferred.
• Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement.