Research Associate

How do you spend your day? Are you passionate about what you do? At Novartis, our focus is clear, our purpose defined. We're part of a team that's making a difference in the quality of people's lives.
POSITION PURPOSE:Coordinate in vitro studies for lens and lens care interactions with tear film components (e.g. lipids and proteins), including writing and executing protocols, data collection and analysis, and final reports. Coordinate collecting, handling and storing ophthalmic polymeric products from patients for ex vivo biological assays. Candidate must also be capable of performing chemical bench studies, including wet chemistry (pH/Osmolarity), UV/vis spectroscopy, Thin Layer Chromatography, SDS-PAGE, gel staining, biological assays, fluorescence, and densitometry.
Able to perform scientific experiments with general direction and structure. Is capable of problem solving within area of expertise. Might provide basic work direction to others ( like technicians).PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:Performs key tear film interaction experiments independently in support of projects or product support, writing protocols with general direction. Collects pertinent data, analyzes and interprets these data. Writes reports.Responsible for all calculations associated with chemical/physical experiments including basic statistical analysis and reporting and documentation of data.Helps administer all systems needed to run the laboratory (e.g.SOPs, supply ordering, calibration, lab hygiene).Assumes full responsibility for maintaining training on required SOPs and safety requirements.Qualifications
Minimum Required Education:BS in related Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Entry-level MS in same disciplines.Minimum Required Experience:B.S. with 1-2 years relevant experience
M.S. entry levelMinimum Required Skills:Experience with lipid and protein extractions and analysis from ophthalmic polymeric products.Candidate must be detail-oriented and work well across different technical support groups. Candidate should be a self-starter and work well independently. Good written and oral communication necessary. Must have working knowledge in degree area, as well as applicable knowledge of mathematics, statistics and statistical interpretation. Good computer skills with wordporcessing and spreadsheets.Preferred Level:
Minimum plus: Knowledge of the tear film and its functions. Experience handling and storing ophthalmic polymeric products from patients for biological assays.
Working knowledge of the biological behavior of both polar and non-polar tear lipids.Work experience on an interactive product development team.
Novartis is committed to embracing and leveraging diverse backgrounds.
Novartis is an equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V.
REQUIREMENTS
Please see Job Description