Bench Scientist

Description:

• We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Research Associate to support in vitro pharmacology and assay development activities in a fast-paced research laboratory.

• This role is primarily focused on executing plate-based biological assays, operating specialized laboratory instrumentation, generating high-quality experimental data, and performing data analysis.

• The ideal candidate will have hands-on industry experience with high-throughput, plate-based assay systems and be comfortable working independently in a laboratory environment with minimal training.

• Perform routine laboratory experiments using plate-based assay platforms.

• Operate and maintain data quality for specialized laboratory instrumentation, including fluorescence-based plate reader systems.

• Execute in vitro pharmacology and biological assays according to established protocols.

• Support high-throughput screening and assay workflows.

• Culture and maintain cell lines for experimental use.

• Analyze experimental data and ensure accuracy through quality control procedures.

• Prepare and organize datasets, summaries, and experimental results for review.

• Collaborate closely with laboratory team members to support ongoing research activities.

• Follow laboratory safety procedures and maintain accurate experimental records.

• Assist with bringing outsourced assay activities back into internal laboratory operations.

• Work Environment

• Primarily laboratory-based role.

• Significant time spent conducting experiments and operating instrumentation.

• Remaining time dedicated to data analysis, quality control, and documentation.

• Daily interaction with a small, collaborative laboratory team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Hands-on laboratory experience in an industry or research setting.

• Experience with FLIPR (Fluorescence Imaging Plate Reader) or comparable fluorescence-based plate reader technology.

• Experience conducting plate-based biological assays.

• Cell culture experience.

• Experience working with laboratory instrumentation and associated software platforms.

• Ability to generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative laboratory environment.

• Experience in plate-based, high-throughput laboratory environments will be strongly preferred.

• This position is best suited for individuals who have worked with laboratory automation and assay-driven workflows rather than candidates whose experience is primarily focused on animal handling, tissue dissection, histology, or imaging-based animal studies.

• Strong experimental execution and troubleshooting abilities.

• Ability to quickly integrate into an established laboratory workflow.

• Commitment to producing accurate, reproducible, and high-quality scientific data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in in vitro pharmacology.

• Experience supporting high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows.

• Familiarity with fluorescence-based assay technologies.

• Experience using GraphPad Prism for data analysis.

• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).

• Prior experience working in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract research organization (CRO) environment.

• Familiarity with assay transfer, assay validation, or laboratory process implementation.

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities