Senior Research Specialist, Automated Sample Management

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious candidate to join the PerkinElmer OneSource Scientific Services team based at one of our customer sites in Massachusetts.

The successful candidate will be working within the PerkinElmer Technical Lab Services (TLS) division and will be placed within a team at the customer site who have a focus on protein biochemistry supporting innovative and life-changing research and development activities.

The candidate will work within a collaborative team environment across a diverse biotherapeutic portfolio within the company and can develop in PerkinElmer’s scientific arena. The role will report to a dedicated PerkinElmer team leader and will be based at the GSK Cambridge Park Drive campus.

Job Responsibilities

•  Deliver high quality research support in a variety of lab functions.
• Activities may include, but are not limited to: receiving, registering, storing, preparing, and distributing oligo samples and oligo maintaining accurate inventory and sample traceability in LIMS.

• Other activities may include operating the Hamilton automated freezer and automated liquid handling platforms.

• Individual may be required to supporting preparation of near-assay-ready plates (nARPs) and assay-ready plates (ARPs).

• Work with the customer to establish operating procedures, inventory practices, and sample handoff processes connecting chemistry with biology.

• Coordinate end-user requests and shipments to other sites, maintaining traceability of sample identities, concentrations, volumes, and plate maps throughout the workflow.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors in Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry
• 3-5 years of demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory sample management, including sample preparation, inventory control, automated storage, and distribution

• 3-5 years of experience using LIMS to register samples, maintain inventory records, and track sample locations and transfers.

• Demonstrated ability to operate automated laboratory equipment under established procedures, perform accurate pipetting and dilution calculations, and maintain sample identity and plate-map accuracy

• Strong attention to detail, documentation practices, organizational skills, and experience with customer-facing communication.

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, especially adherence to laboratory notebook practices.

Critical Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.

• An ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.

• Service orientated attitude combined with innovative thinking.

• Strong interpersonal skills; strong team player with customer satisfaction focus

• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.

• Understanding of standard software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office).

• Ability to operate within company and/or customer site safety codes of practice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field.
• Direct experience with Hamilton automated freezers and Mosaic LIMS, including LIMS administration.
• Experience operating automated sample preparation or liquid handling systems and supporting scientists in a customer-facing sample management role.
• Previous experience helping establish sample management procedures, inventory practices, and shipping workflows.
• Familiarity with plate-based workflows, barcoded labware, sample lineage, and preparation of screening plates.

Working Environment

• Employees will be provided with PerkinElmer uniform to be worn when on site.

• Must be able to work in a laboratory and controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.). 

• Work with biohazards upon completion of blood borne pathogen surveillance.

• Hepatitis B vaccination may be required, vaccination programme in place for successful candidates who are not already vaccinated or require updated boosters. Opt out optional.

• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high. 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time 

• The person needs to occasionally move between laboratories, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Occasional travel to other customer sites may be needed.

• Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching to perform in a service function.   

• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds). 

• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to perform the essential service functions of this position.   

• Operation of a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 

• The employee may be required to manage hazardous waste in compliance with company procedures and local and national hazardous waste regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labelling.

• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.

• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $80,000 to $100,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.