Senior Research Associate at Lonza Inc. in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Job Description:

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

Lonza Shady Grove is currently hiring for a Senior Research Associate. This position is part of a team that is developing novel cell culture media, building on Lonza’s expertise in the areas of cell and gene therapy and cell culture processes. This is a hands-on research job (75% lab based) where the RA will be responsible for executing project targets, designing, and performing experiments, analyzing data and drawing conclusions/next steps.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments necessary to develop, re-develop, or optimize media and growth supplements for primary cells and cell lines and analyze and report on data that are generated.




• Utilize perfect aseptic technique and display expertise with handling cell lines and primary cells.




• Perform assays for chemical characteristics including solubility, pH, osmolality, and functionality in biological assays for cell culture-based projects.




• Maintain stocks of chemicals, reagents and supplies in the laboratory, ordering and tracking materials as required.




• Organize and track records of batch recipe versions and maintain the basic supplies for the laboratory.  

Key Requirements:

• Degree in a relevant area (Cell Biology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology). MSc or BSc with up to 10 years of experience in the life science industry.




• Media development expertise




• Biotechnology, Cell biology, virology, media chemistry, and basic biochemistry; experience with a variety of cell culture systems (adherent and suspension, bioreactor operation).

Strongly preferred:

• Exosome production/quantification/characterization




• Flow cytometry and Nano-Flow Cytometry




• Data analysis/statistics




• Metabolomics




• Exosomics   ddPCR, ELISA




• Media chemistry




• Aseptic technique / work with BSC level 2




• Culture of mammalian and primary cells such as Mesenchymal stem cells




• Excellent oral/written/presentation communication skills; strong work ethic; ability to perform in a team setting




• Analytical mindset




• FACS (multicolor, NanoFCM)




• ELISA (single and multiplex)




• Fluorescent microscopy and cell imaging




• Metabolomics




• Assay development (detection assays, functional assays and purification)




• Molecular biology skills (transfection, western blot, etc)




• Design of Experiment (DOE)

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically. People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference. 

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range is between $75,600.00 and $88,200.00. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.  

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.