Assistant Scientist

Cerus is seeking an Assistant Scientist who is enthusiastic about brining life-saving technologies to market to join the Hematology team. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing cutting-edge research, development, and GLP studies to support the INTERCEPT RBC, platelet or plasma platforms. The scope of work will include performing in vitro function assays using a variety of human blood and blood products, working to develop next generation technologies, and supporting clinical studies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Execute experiments, either independently or as a team member; including experiments for product claims and regulatory submissions.
• Perform and analyzing, multiple types of hematology assays, including metabolic, flow cytometry and ELISA assays
• Develop, implement, and validate new methods and technologies for project advancement.
• Assist in preparation of technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.
• Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results for research experiments and GLP studies.
• Reduce and analyze complex data and present it to maximize clarity and impact.
• Prepare final reports, study plans, etc., necessary for multiple projects.
• Act as principal investigator in conducting own experiments.
• Work cross functionally with Clinical, CMC, Regulatory, Quality and Biostatistics departments.
• Prepare and manipulate various blood products, including plasma, platelets and RBC.
• May provide expertise on project teams, including contribution of ideas, developing plans, execution of the plan and timely reporting of results.
• May supervise, mentor, or provide guidance to other personnel
• May present at scientific conferences and contribute to scientific publications.
• Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature.
• Contribute to project progress within his/her scientific discipline.
• Perform other related duties as required 

  Qualifications/Requirements/Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years of experience or, Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Strong mathematics skills
• Experience working with primary cells or blood cells
• Experience with assay development is a plus
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Working knowledge of blood bank practices desirable but not required
• Experience working in a GLP/GMP or other regulated environment desirable
• Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, scientific and graphics applications
• Flexible; ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Solid communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal).
• Time management (schedules, timelines, task prioritization).
• Excellent problem-solving skills; solution-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.