Research Associate II

Company Overview

SeraCare Clinical Diagnostics is part of LGC Clinical Diagnostics, a business group that includes LGC Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (formerly Maine Standards Company and SeraCare Life Sciences), Technopath Clinical Diagnostics, and the Native Antigen Company. The group employs more than 400 people across FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited sites in Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Tipperary in Ireland, and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK. LGC Clinical Diagnostics is owned by LGC Group, a UK-based life sciences measurement and testing company with annual revenue above $510 million and a global workforce of over 3,500.

SeraCare Life Sciences in Gaithersburg develops quality control materials for infectious disease testing and supports global in vitro diagnostics manufacturers and clinical laboratories. Its product portfolio includes ACCURUN reagents and Seraseq products used in oncology, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and inherited disease testing within the clinical next-generation sequencing market.

Role Purpose

The Research Associate II will contribute to the company’s mission of improving disease understanding by helping develop precision diagnostic products. The position involves independently carrying out both routine and specialized cellular and molecular genetic methods to measure and manipulate genetic material.

What You Will Do

• Produce intermediate stock materials by following batch records and standard operating procedures.
• Carry out core molecular biology work such as plasmid purification, gel electrophoresis, RNA transcription, and bacterial culture.
• Run nucleic acid testing, including RNA and DNA integrity checks, real-time qPCR, and digital PCR, then interpret the results.
• Keep project records and data organized using Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and a document control platform.
• Coordinate with the supervisor to plan and deliver assigned projects on schedule while ensuring documentation complies with GLP and GMP standards.
• Document test outcomes and records, obtain the required approvals, and archive files according to established procedures.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory equipment in line with approved protocols, and escalate abnormal performance to lab leadership.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to meet quality management objectives and resolve issues proactively within an ISO-based quality system.
• Forecast material needs, maintain reagent inventory, and place orders through SAP as needed.
• Keep the laboratory clean, orderly, and safe.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant industry experience is required. The role also calls for hands-on exposure to molecular biology methods including DNA/RNA purification and quantitation, endpoint or real-time PCR, and DNA/RNA electrophoresis, along with basic cell culture and aseptic technique. Candidates should also have experience drafting and following protocols, and be comfortable using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. The job requires the ability to review data at a basic analytical level and work in accordance with SOPs.

Preferred Background

A master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline is preferred.

Skills and Working Style

The ideal candidate is a strong critical thinker who can evaluate data, react quickly, and keep projects moving. Success in the role requires solid organization, the ability to juggle multiple priorities, independent work with limited supervision, and cross-functional collaboration. The person should be committed to product integrity, open to continuous improvement, able to shift priorities when needed, and willing to learn independently.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive pay with a strong bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
• Pre-tax FSA and HSA savings accounts for healthcare, childcare, and elder care
• Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• On-site gym access
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Flexible work arrangements
• Pet insurance
• Enhanced parental leave with 8 extra weeks
• PTO available from day one
• Monthly town hall meetings, recognition through the Cheer program, company social events, frequent catered lunches, and similar activities

Additional Information

All applicant information will be handled confidentially in line with EEO guidelines. The company participates in E-Verify. LGC states that employment decisions are made without regard to age, disability, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion, belief, or trade union membership, and that shortlisting, interviews, and selection will be conducted without discrimination on those grounds.

Pay Transparency

For Maryland applicants, the posted salary range reflects the expected entry-level and upper-end compensation for this position. Actual base pay will vary depending on education, experience, and skills. The stated starting minimum is $27.00 per hour and the maximum is $37.00 per hour. Candidates who are entry level or already highly proficient with relevant experience will typically be paid between $27.00 and $32.00 per hour.