Job Title: Scientist - Cell Culture and Genetic ToxicologyJob Description
This role focuses on performing advanced cell culture and genetic toxicology studies to support research aimed at developing cancer therapies. The scientist will work hands-on with suspension cell lines, and preferably adherent cell lines, to maintain healthy cultures, perform in vitro micronucleus (IVMN) assays, and support in vivo dosing studies in an animal research environment. The position requires strong aseptic technique, meticulous laboratory documentation, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, regulated laboratory setting.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and expand suspension cell cultures, ensuring healthy growth and stable cell populations under aseptic conditions.
- Monitor and document cell morphology, viability, growth characteristics, and cell density to evaluate overall culture health and performance.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and respond appropriately to culture abnormalities or changes in cell behavior.
- Perform cell treatments and exposures under a variety of conditions, including short- and long-term exposure periods, varying incubation temperatures, environmental conditions, cell densities, and recovery intervals.
- Conduct cell harvesting procedures and sample preparation techniques to support downstream analyses.
- Prepare microscope slides and analyze cellular samples, preferably using fluorescence microscopy, for genetic toxicology assessments such as micronucleus identification and scoring.
- Perform and document standard cell culture calculations, including Population Doubling (PD), Relative Population Doubling (RPD), and Relative Increase in Cell Count (RICC), and ensure accuracy of all recorded data.
- Accurately record, interpret, and report experimental results in a regulated laboratory environment, following established procedures and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Recognize and differentiate common cell culture contaminants, including bacterial, yeast, fungal, mycoplasma, and other microbial contaminants, and take appropriate preventive and corrective actions.
- Receive, evaluate, and process test articles submitted for testing, ensuring proper handling, storage, and documentation.
- Communicate and coordinate sample preparation and scheduling with scientific staff and Study Directors to align with study protocols and timelines.
- Determine surface area and calculate required extraction ratios for test articles, and prepare samples and dosing solutions according to standard operating procedures and study protocols using aseptic technique.
- Meticulously maintain precise records of all sample preparations, extractions, and dosing solutions in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work area, adhering to laboratory safety and quality standards.
- Follow all laboratory safety requirements and wear a respirator safely when needed as part of routine or specific procedures.
- Run in vitro assays, including IVMN assays when applicable, following internal laboratory procedures and established historical image sets for micronucleus identification and scoring.
- Review study protocols regularly to determine daily and weekly activities, ensuring that all scheduled assays and tasks are completed on time.
- Participate in dosing studies in the vivarium, including weighing animals, administering test articles (such as single injections), and observing animals as required by study protocols.
- Assist with animal handling activities such as wrapping animals when needed to safely perform dosing and observation procedures.
- Prepare and contribute to study reports and documentation for both in vitro and in vivo testing, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
- Support medical device testing by preparing devices for testing, performing extractions, disassembly, and preparation for ISO-related testing as needed.
- Lead and mentor less experienced personnel in hands-on laboratory tasks, reinforcing best practices in aseptic technique, documentation, and safety.
- Adapt to a fast-paced environment where schedules may change based on client needs, while maintaining high-quality work and clear communication with the team.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on cell culture experience with suspension cell lines in a laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique for all cell culture and sample preparation activities.
- Experience maintaining healthy cell cultures, including monitoring cell morphology, viability, growth characteristics, and cell density.
- Ability to evaluate overall cell population health and culture performance and respond appropriately to abnormalities.
- Experience performing cell treatments and exposures under varied conditions, including different exposure durations, incubation temperatures, environmental conditions, and cell densities.
- Experience with cell harvesting procedures and sample preparation techniques.
- Ability to prepare microscope slides and analyze cellular samples, preferably using fluorescence microscopy.
- Proficiency in performing and documenting standard cell culture calculations, including Population Doubling (PD), Relative Population Doubling (RPD), and Relative Increase in Cell Count (RICC).
- Ability to accurately record, interpret, and report experimental data in a regulated laboratory environment.
- Ability to recognize common cell culture contaminants such as bacterial, yeast, fungal, mycoplasma, and other microbial contaminants.
- Experience working in a fast-paced laboratory where schedules and priorities may change frequently.
- Strong attention to detail and meticulous laboratory documentation skills in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices.
- Ability to safely wear a respirator when required by specific tasks or procedures.
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Toxicology, or a related life sciences discipline.
- Industry laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture or genetic toxicology, is strongly preferred.
- Experience with in vitro micronucleus (IVMN) assays is preferred and considered a must-have skill for more advanced candidates, though training may be provided for those with strong cell culture and cellular biology backgrounds.
- Familiarity with toxicology concepts, dosing practices, and intravenous (IV) or related dosing techniques.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with scientific staff and Study Directors.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with adherent cell lines in addition to suspension cultures is highly desirable.
- Prior experience conducting genetic toxicology assays, including IVMN assays, is preferred.
- Experience in GLP-regulated environments and familiarity with regulatory expectations for data integrity and documentation.
- Experience preparing test article and control formulations; training can be provided for candidates with strong foundational skills.
- Exposure to or experience with medical device testing, including device preparation, disassembly, extractions, and preparation for ISO-related testing.
- Experience working in or around vivarium or animal research facilities, including basic animal handling and observation.
- Ability to lead and mentor less experienced personnel in a hands-on laboratory setting.
- Strong understanding of cell growth kinetics and the ability to maintain and evaluate healthy cell populations in support of genetic toxicology studies.
- Motivation to contribute to research that supports the development of cancer therapies, including working with animal models.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced contract research environment where client-driven timelines and priorities may shift.
- Strong communication skills for discussing procedures, documentation practices, and workflow with team members and leadership.
Work Environment
The role is based in a contract research organization environment that conducts both in vitro and in vivo studies, including animal studies in a vivarium setting. The scientist works primarily in a regulated laboratory, following Good Laboratory Practices and established standard operating procedures. The environment is fast paced, with schedules that may change based on client requirements, and includes a weekly schedule of assays, dosing activities, and study-related tasks. Work involves hands-on laboratory tasks such as cell culture, assay execution, sample preparation, medical device extraction and testing, and participation in animal dosing studies aimed at supporting cancer research. The position requires strict adherence to safety protocols, including the ability to safely wear a respirator when needed, and maintaining a clean, organized work area. The laboratory uses standard cell culture equipment, incubators with controlled environmental conditions, and microscopy, including fluorescence microscopy, for cellular analysis. The culture emphasizes task-focused, hands-on work, collaboration with scientific staff and Study Directors, and opportunities to lead and support less experienced personnel. The work contributes directly to studies designed to help advance cancer therapies, providing a mission-driven environment for candidates motivated by impactful research.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of DAYTON, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in DAYTON,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.
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