Job Title:  Associate Scientist I

Position Summary

The Associate Scientist I will work in the Product Development team performing microbiology methodologies with several strains of BSL1 and BSL2 test organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.  The position will require implementing established methodologies to evaluate the microbiocidal activity of disinfectants and sterilization processes. The position will also perform testing to develop and evaluate sterility assurance products (i.e. biological indicators). The position will require accurately maintaining, recording, and reporting test data. Additionally, applicant must possess the ability to perform and accurately document tasks according to established microbiocidal test standards, work instructions, and written protocols in a timely manner, while working both independently and within a team on multiple studies at different stages of the process.

This position is located onsite in Mentor, OH. 

Duties

• Work with different sterilization and disinfection technologies (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide, Steam sterilization, Liquid chemical disinfectants)
• Carry out assigned projects, laboratory work, and data analysis under the direction of a supervisor.
• Carry out routine and semi-routine tasks independently.
• Maintain laboratory data accurately and timely and report results to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Resolve technical/laboratory issues using problem solving techniques. 
• Participate in laboratory quality, housekeeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Understand and comply with accepted laboratory and safety procedures and perform all work in a safe and environmentally conscious manner.
• Demonstrate basic microbiology skills in a competency evaluation prior to beginning any project work.
• Complete training and demonstrate solid proficiency of the following:
  • Testing to standardized methods to evaluate germicidal activity against microbiological cultures, to include inoculation and recovery of test articles as well as proper use of test controls in experiments.
  • Generation and characterization of microbiological working cultures.
  • Preparation of microbiological media and reagents.
  • Maintenance and subcultivation of mammalian cell lines.
  • Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Understand and comply with accepted regulatory, laboratory, and safety procedures required of working in BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories.
• Complete training and demonstrate proficiency of the following:
  • Sterility assurance
  • Development and evaluation testing of biological indicators for sterilization
    • Resistance (D-value) testing
    • Reduced incubation testing
    • Simulated use testing
  • Operation and evaluation of various sterilization technologies

Required Experience

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology is preferred.
• 1-5 years of related microbiology laboratory experience is preferred (including college-level laboratory experience).
• Cell culture experience is desirable. 
• Basic understanding of microbiology techniques and use of applicable equipment.
• Excellent oral communication skills: accurate and timely reporting of laboratory results to supervisor.
• Proficient technical writing skills: creating work instructions, test plans/protocols, laboratory note-taking, and laboratory reports
• Experience working successfully in a team environment and ability to collaborate with colleagues.
• Initiative to independently assess technical issues and initiate solutions.
• Technical knowledge consistent with current scientific literature and best practices.
• Experience with established laboratory protocols.
• Understands and complies with accepted laboratory and safety procedures.

What STERIS Offers:

The opportunity to join a company that will invest in you for the long-term. STERIS couldn’t be where it is today without our incredible people. That’s why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring people who are in it for the long run with STERIS is our ultimate goal. We do this by providing competitive salaries, healthcare benefits, tuition assistance, paid-time off, holidays, matching 401(k), annual merit, and incentive plans.  Join us and help write our next chapter.

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