Senior Scientist, HLA/SLA Laboratory & R&D

Role Summary

The Senior Scientist is responsible for supervising our HLA/SLA (Human and Swine Leukocyte Antigen) laboratory, including assay development and validation studies, training and supporting technologists, maintaining QC/QA documentation and regulatory readiness, and contributing to our robust research and development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Laboratory Oversight:
  • Manage all aspects of HLA and SLA typing, antibody screening, and compatibility testing
  • Perform assay development and validation studies
  • Maintain QC/QA documentation and regulatory readiness
  • Train and support technologists and junior scientists
• Research & Development Leadership:
  • Manage strategic R&D projects focused on SLA typing technologies, including NGS and Nanopore platforms
  • Supervise development of novel assays, such as single antigen bead arrays and customized antibody panels
  • Collaborate with academic, commercial, or biotech partners on grant writing, publications, and technology transfer
• Strategic & Administrative Duties:
  • Contribute to development of laboratory budgets, staffing, and capital planning
  • Direct and manage team of technologists and trainees to include responsibilities for goal setting, performance reviews/ management, coaching, mentoring and career development
  • Represent the lab at institutional leadership meetings, national societies (e.g., ASHI, AASV), and translational research symposia
  • All other duties as required including but not limited to: perform high-resolution HLA and SLA typing using Oxford Nanopore or similar sequencing platforms, conduct Luminex-based antibody screening and flow cytometric crossmatches, isolate and culture T and B cells for immune functional assays.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and 10+ years of related experience, or
  • Master’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and 8+ years of related experience, or
  • PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and 5+ years of related experience
• 5+ years of experience in a high-complexity clinical lab with demonstrated leadership
• Experience with HLA and SLA typing technologies including NGS, Nanopore, PCR-SSP, and flow cytometry
• Proven record of research productivity, assay development, and/or grant acquisition
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for clinical and animal-based immunogenetics
• Previous managerial experience
• Knowledge of current trends and advancements in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of immunology and transplant science
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans for research and development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Strong skills in analyzing and interpreting scientific data, including proficiency with bioinformatics tools and statistical software

Skills

• Molecular typing
• Luminex antibody testing
• Flow cytometry
• CDC crossmatching
• Cell culture
• Supervisory experience in CLIA/CAP-compliant environments
• Translational or commercial research experience
• Data analysis and bioinformatics proficiency

Education

• Details as listed in Qualifications (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD as applicable)

Additional Requirements

• Travel up to 25% in the first year
• Onsite location: Morrisville, NC