Sr. Research Associate

At Vitalant, the impact you make doing work that is purposeful, meaningful, and worthwhile is vital. As a member of our non-profit organization, you can be impact-inspired to provide vital clinical services to communities nationwide, vital products to those in need of a donor's generosity, or vital scientific research that advances blood safety worldwide.

Compensation Considerations:
The Vitalant Biotherapies Division is building a Cell Analytics Laboratory at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus (850 PBC). This hands-on role supports cell therapy processing, development, and analytics. The Research Associate executes flow cytometry, cytokine analysis, molecular assays (qPCR/ddPCR), imaging- and impedance-based functional assays, and cryogenic sample handling. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and can manage multiple laboratory workflows concurrently.

Work Shift (if applicable):
Shift 1 (United States of America)

Job Description:

Working under Principal Scientist and Sr Scientist, this role supports all projects assigned to lab which may include any aspect of -- translates client and internal scientific objectives into executable study plans, budgets, and timelines, conducts hands‑on laboratory work, analyzes complex cellular data, and delivers high‑quality reports and recommendations to clients and internal leadership.

This position plays a critical role in enabling client studies ranging from early research to IND-enabling and clinical studies to support development and commercialization of advanced therapies.

What to Expect:

Base Pay: $72,592-$95,825.60

Location: 850 N. 5th Street Ste 604, Phoenix AZ 85004

Schedule: Monday - Friday Days --NOTE: this role will need to be flexible with hours based on project and lab needs. May need to work some Weekends as needed for Lab/Project.

Our comprehensive total rewards support you, your family, and your future with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K + 5% company match
• Tuition assistance up to $5k per year
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance
• Free short-and-long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee Resource Groups
• Recognition and perks

• Perform cell isolation, processing, and cryopreservation for autologous/allogeneic workflows.
• Execute analytical testing of cellular materials (viability, phenotype, purity, potency, metabolic profiling, cytokine secretion).
• Operate instrumentation including multi-laser flow cytometers/spectral systems, cell sorters, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA/plate readers, imaging and impedance platforms.
• Maintain aseptic technique in biological safety cabinets and adhere to BSL-2 biosafety practices.
• Manage sample receipt, labeling, inventory, and storage in LN vapor and mechanical freezers.
• Develop and review SOPs and qualification documents.

  Follow SOPs; contribute to authoring/revising SOPs and qualification documentation as platforms come online.

• Document results in LIMS/ELN, perform data analysis, and generate reports for internal programs and client studies.
• Support equipment calibration, preventative maintenance, and daily readiness of the laboratory.

Knowledge/Education

• BS in Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related field (required).
• Masters preferred

• 4 years hands-on experience in cell therapy processing, development, or analytics (required).
• 2 years with Masters in applicable studies.

• Practical proficiency with flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA/plate-based assays, and molecular assays (qPCR and/or ddPCR).
• Ability to work safely with human-derived samples, chemicals, and cryogens; strong adherence to SOPs and documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.

Job Category:
Vitalant Research Institute

Contact Information: careers@vitalant.org

If you are impact-inspired to help others, and making a difference is vital for you, you'll experience a career built on purpose, a company created to care, and a team committed to lead - together.