Opening for Contract Research Associate in Clinical Microbiology Boston, Massachusetts, USA
October 2024
About PhAST. PhAST is a venture-backed AI healthcare startup developing computer vision technology for rapidly diagnosing antibiotic resistance. Our platform provides clinical decision support for doctors, workflow improvement for hospitals, and helps accelerate the drug development process for pharmaceutical companies. Company headquarters are located in the biotech innovation hub of Boston (USA), the data analysis team is based in Zurich (Switzerland), and a clinical validation team is based in Seoul (Korea). This opening is for a position in the Boston headquarters.
Job Description. PhAST is seeking a talented and driven contract laboratory Research Associate with expertise in Clinical Microbiology to execute the experimental program foundational for our diagnostic technology and to move forward our on-going FDA clinical trial. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a clinical or hospital laboratory and will work as part of a cross-functional team to drive innovation in a scientifically stimulating, patient-focused research environment. The role will be in-person in Boston and will actively collaborate with teams in Data Science, Product Development, Software, and Clinical Studies. The role will be a 6-month independent contract position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Perform experiments and tasks, and take the lead on specific projects, that are essential to biological research and development including:
- antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacteria via live cell imaging using the PhAST Assay
- minimal inhibitory testing (MIC) assays of bacteria, including by broth microdilution
- quality controls of reagents, media, assay kits, and other key consumables
- receiving, storing, and documentation of microbial isolates
- pilot studies that explore additional uses of PhAST technology
- quality review of laboratory results in preparation for analyses by the Data Science team
- routine laboratory maintenance tasks (cleaning, maintenance, inventory, etc.)
• Perform experiments and tasks that are essential to product development including:
- assays of contrived R&D samples, and human clinical samples, executed on the PhAST Platform using
custom-designed microfluidic cartridges
• Occasional weekend in-person experimental work
- Engage with external vendors
- Follow laboratory protocols, help create new protocols, and oversee their execution in the lab
- Provide support for clinical studies
- Communicate results and research progress during team and departmental meetings
Desired Experience and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s degree in biological sciences, biotechnology, medical technology, or similar
- Experience working in a clinical or hospital laboratory, with at least 1 year at the microbiology bench working with BSL2 pathogens
- Knowledge in antimicrobial resistance
- Experience performing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and assisting with the creation and
- maintenance of new SOPs
- Microscopy experience is beneficial
- Willingness to quickly learn new laboratory techniques
- Rigor and attention to detail
- Excellent organizational skills and documentation practices
- Ability to communicate effectively
The intent of this job description is to provide a representation and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
The position is available immediately. The hourly rate will be commensurate with experience. The candidate must be legally eligible to work in the United States. If interested, please email your resume and a cover letter to careers@phast.ai.
