Research Associate

About us :

DKMS Life Science Lab India Private Limited (DKMS LSL India) is a subsidiary of the non-profit organisation DKMS Life Science Lab Germany (DKMS LSL). As subsidiary, DKMS LSL India represents a vital element of DKMS global initiative to improve the clinical outcomes for patients with blood cancers and other blood disorders. In pursuit of this mission, DKMS LSL India specialises in the development of advanced diagnostic solutions that are indispensable for the comprehensive management of blood disorders. DKMS LSL India and DKMS LSL work together to employ cutting-edge next-generation technologies, sophisticated analytics, and advanced informatics to create diagnostic tools that meet four critical criteria: exceptional accuracy, consistent reliability, rapid turnaround, and cost-effectiveness. This approach ensures that healthcare providers worldwide have access to essential diagnostic solutions that are both reliable and affordable.

Position Summary

The Research Associates at DKMS Life Science Lab India are integral members of the Lab Operations Department. This team is responsible for performing core laboratory tasks essential for delivering clinical diagnostic reports, such as molecular minimal residual disease testing for ALL patients. The primary goal is to process clinical samples within the specified turnaround time (TAT), ensuring time-efficiency and high-quality work. This role demands openness and flexibility to adopt new workflows and sample processing steps, maintaining the organizations commitment to excellence. The team handles all laboratory processes from sample arrival, quality control, and processing (e.g., DNA extraction, library preparation) to sequencing. Each step is meticulously tracked in the laboratory LIMS system. Sequencing data is analysed by an automated bioinformatics workflow, which directly feeds data into clinical reports. Additionally, the team is involved in manufacturing necessary reagents.

Responsibilities Laboratory Operations

• Perform all laboratory activities listed above as outlined in SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

• Accurately record data related to sample processing and management in the respective laboratory information systems.

• Verify the plausibility of laboratory results and coordinate actions with the manager in case of discrepancies.

• Demonstrate required competencies annually.

Report to Team Lead in MRD. Quality Management

• Comply with all relevant quality guidelines and standards.

• Participate in writing SOPs in collaboration with the quality team and/or manager.

• Conduct batch testing of reagents, evaluate and document the results.

• Report and discuss deviations from routine processes to quality manager.

Participate in corrective and preventive actions, collaborating to develop and document resulting changes in consultation with the manager. Communication

• Actively participate in team meetings.

• Maintain active communication within the team to ensure smooth sample processing.

• Communicate with other departments about sample flow (e.g. biobank). Others

• Perform additional tasks as delegated by the Team Lead in MRD, which may include data collation, preparation of publication-standard figures, and contributions to manuscripts under preparation.

Key Skills

• Integrity, motivation, enthusiasm, responsibility and reliability.

• Focus, precision, conscientiousness and commitment in performing tasks and duties.

• Critical analytical skill with the ability to work independently within the team.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and with other departments.

• Skilled in documenting and discussing results, issues, and actions with managers.

• Skills in data collation, analysis, and preparation of reports for review.

Qualifications Mandatory:

• Masters degree in Biological Sciences with expertise in Molecular Biology and Genomics.

• Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience in basic laboratory protocols and techniques such as DNA extraction, quality checks, qPCR, and sequencing (Sanger and/or next-generation sequencing).

• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and laboratory and clinical data management.

• Ability to work with IT-supported systems.

Preferred:

• Experience handling patient samples.

• Experience with library preparation on the ONT platform is preferred but not mandatory.