Senior Scientist at Synexa Life Sciences

Job Purpose:

Ensure the continuous generation of revenue by providing scientific insight/expertise to the Business Development and Scientific Strategies teams for the potential new clinical trial projects involving a genetic scope. The genetic scopes involves fee-for-service analyses such as, pharmacogenetic, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics. In addition, the setup of client quotes, discussion/presentations with clients, reagent plans and other ad hoc task will be required.

The Senior scientist’s will be involved in developing and optimizing new/various genetic methods to achieve the client’s scientific objective within the dedicated timelines whilst leading the other members within the genetics group. The genetics group needs to validate methods for the analyses of an array of biological samples using equipment such as nucleic isolation platforms, PCR/qPCR/dPCR instruments, gene expression arrays and sequencers.

This position will require extensive laboratory experience (GLP/GCP) and genetic data analysis with interpretation (analytical and statistical).

Main areas of responsibility:

Laboratory & Scientific Duties

• Take on responsibility as Analytical Project Manager (APM) on clinical projects.
• Oversees the work of others team members (Lab technicians/Research Associates/Scientists)
• Assists in capacity and reagent planning and inventory as needed.
• Develop and validate genetic/genomic assays to meet the company or client’s needs as per SOPs and latest guidelines.
• Sample analysis and reporting.
• Reporting and presenting genetic data generated to clients.
• Draft guidance and reporting documents for projects (lab manual, VPP, MDP, SAP, SAR etc).
• Trouble shooting when required: doing literature research and sharing solutions.
• Sharing of knowledge and providing input on training and scientific development of junior staff.
• Use of Odoo platform to complete timesheets and planning.
• Involvement in pre- and post- contracted phase (eg. reagent plans, quote review, protocols, out of scope work, etc).

Ad-hoc

• Write and/or review SOPs and forms.
• Oversee the work of others (RA/other Scientists) – assist in capacity planning as needed.
• Provide training and share insights regularly.
• Support in achieving Synexa revenue targets and reaching monthly targets.
• Study lead on 3+ studies.
• Direct communication with a client
• Assess systems being used and identify areas for improvement.

Qualification/Experience required:

• A minimum level of a PhD degree in genetics, or 5+ years of experience in a relevant field of work is required.
• On-going general International Organization for Standardization - ISO, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Clinical Laboratory Practice - GCLP and Good Laboratory Practice - GLP awareness training needs to be provided to all staff.
• Experience in pipette handling, following protocols and using basic equipment (e.g. centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, incubators). The ideal candidate should have significant prior experience working with PCR and sequencing instruments.
• Experience in genetic data analysis, database searching, unique primer design and optimisation.
• Previous work experience in a relevant field.
• Working within a good practice (GxP) and/or Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) accredited environment.

Skills and Competencies required:

• Strong project leadership skills with a proven track record of leading projects to timely completion.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team, with a proactive approach to resolving technical challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to review and assimilate new information rapidly and effectively.
• On-going professional development is strongly encouraged; this may take the form of training, workshops, seminars etc.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English

Genetics:

• Excellent practical knowledge of genetic and molecular biology techniques, including microbiology and virology.
• Expert knowledge and use of molecular biology equipment such as next generation sequencers, digital and quantitative PCR instruments.
• Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary scientific team, with a strong academic research background. 
• Expertise in various genetic assays including nucleic acid isolations, genotyping, microbiome sequencing, DNA sequencing, multiplex analysis, absolute quantification, relative quantification and gene expression.)
• Proven experience in genetic data analysis and working knowledge of analytical software platforms.