Bench Scientist - III

Title: Bench Scientist - III
Location: Bothell, WA (Canyon Park Site)
Duration: 12-Month Contract (potential for extension based on business needs)
Schedule: Onsite, Monday-Friday, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hours: 40 hours/week
Overtime: Not anticipated

Pay rate: $51.78/hr on w2
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What the Manager Is Looking For
The manager is seeking a hands-on Automation Scientist/Bench Scientist who can immediately contribute to a busy wet lab environment supporting molecular biology and automation workflows. This is not a bioinformatics-focused position. While some software and data-related skills are beneficial, the primary need is someone with strong laboratory automation and molecular biology experience.
The team is currently supporting increasing sample volume and needs an experienced scientist who can help implement, run, and improve automated laboratory processes.
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Must-Have Qualifications
" Automated liquid handling platforms
" High-throughput sample processing
" Method implementation and workflow optimization
" Laboratory automation troubleshooting
Hamilton experience is highly preferred
Molecular Biology Experience
" DNA extraction
" RNA extraction
" RT-PCR
" Molecular biology sample preparation
" Sample QC/quality control
" Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) sample preparation
" Genomic and transcriptomic characterization workflows
Wet Lab Experience
" Processing large volumes of samples
" Following laboratory SOPs
" Working in a BSL-2 environment

Preferred Background
" DNA/RNA extraction workflows
" RT-PCR
" Genomics
" Hamilton liquid handling systems
" Automated assay development
" High-throughput screening
" Cell culture experience is a plus
" Experience working with CHO cells is especially desirable
" Recombinant protein expression knowledge is beneficial
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Day-to-Day Responsibilities
" Operating Hamilton automation platforms
" Running automated liquid handling workflows
" Developing and implementing new laboratory methods
" Processing samples received from multiple sites
" Performing DNA and RNA extraction
" Preparing samples for sequencing workflows
" Running RT-PCR assays
" Conducting sample QC and validation activities
" Supporting characterization of engineered cell lines
" Assisting with scaling laboratory automation processes
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High-Value Nice-to-Haves
" Python programming
" Snowflake database experience
" SQL experience
" Workflow automation
" Scientific data analysis
" CHO cell handling
" Recombinant protein expression
" Additional cell culture experience

Candidate Ranking Guide
Top Candidate
" 5+ years of molecular biology experience
" Hands-on Hamilton automation experience
" DNA/RNA extraction expertise
" RT-PCR and NGS sample preparation experience
" Cell culture experience
" Python and/or SQL experience

Strong Candidate
" Strong molecular biology background
" Automation experience with another liquid handling platform
" DNA/RNA extraction and PCR experience
" Exposure to NGS workflows

Acceptable Candidate
" Strong wet lab molecular biology experience
" Limited automation experience but demonstrated ability to learn Hamilton systems quickly

Red Flags
" No automation experience
" Limited molecular biology background
" Primarily computational or bioinformatics-focused experience
" Pure software/data science background
" Gene-editing research focus without relevant automation workflow experience

Job Description:
The main function of a Bench Scientist is to execute laboratory-based experiments that support scientific research, product development, and technical investigations. This role involves hands-on work with analytical and characterisation techniques, contributing directly to data generation, method optimisation, and problem-solving. Bench Scientists differ from lab assistants in that they are responsible for the execution and interpretation of scientific protocols, often working closely with research leads to inform decision-making.

Job Responsibilities:
Conduct laboratory experiments using established scientific methods to support research and development objectives. Prepare and analyse samples using appropriate instrumentation and techniques. Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in compliance with GLP and internal standards. Collaborate with scientists and project teams to troubleshoot issues and interpret data.

Skills: Proficiency in laboratory techniques and instrumentation relevant to the scientific discipline, including automation and high throughput liquid handling platforms. Ability to follow and adapt scientific protocols with attention to detail. Strong documentation and data interpretation skills. Effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Education/Experience: Degree in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field. 5-7 years experience required.