Job Title: Laboratory Scientist

Reports to: Associate Director (CTB)

Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Full-Time (Molecular Sciences Research Center)

Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract (1 year contract)

Overview of the Organization

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.

The Center for Tropical Biodiversity (CTB) is an initiative of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PRSTRT) for the establishment of sensible conservation guidelines for Puerto Rico’s rich biodiversity and for the development of scientific programs that ensure the discovery of products and technologies from biodiversity sources. To further its goals, the CTB has established a product development unit for the isolation, characterization and testing of chemical compounds extracted from biological samples obtained from biodiversity research. We believe that some of the isolated new compounds could be further developed as pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, or agrochemicals.

Purpose

The Laboratory Scientist, under the supervision of the Associate Director, supports the research efforts of the Center for Tropical Biodiversity (CTB) by following established protocols and procedures to advance the characterization of natural products and their protein targets in humans. This role is responsible for carrying out laboratory management duties, including preparing solutions for common use, ordering chemicals and supplies, maintaining inventory, enabling the use of laboratory instruments, and ensuring the overall organization and functionality of the laboratory. The Laboratory Scientist also provides operational support by assisting in the coordination and scheduling of CTB meetings and activities, contributing to the efficient execution of the Center’s scientific and administrative objectives.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Maintain an up-to-date, organized, and legible laboratory journal that records all experiments in detail and ensures that other laboratory members do the same.
Remains knowledgeable and competent in all policies, procedures and protocols.
Prepares solutions and reagents for common use.
Orders the necessary reagents, supplies and other consumables.
Maintains laboratory equipment and assists in troubleshooting.
Keeps an inventory of supplies and reagents.
Comply with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates.
Maintains proficiency in all computer functions and data storage.
Assists in the organization of meetings and activities of the CTB.
Adheres to attendance policy, begins work as scheduled.
Works independently and when necessary, utilizes the available resources to maximize efficiency.
Initiates communication with others; works well with others to ensure the work gets done to standard and on time; is accepting of and values individual differences.
Participates in training students, employees and fellows.
Participates in process improvement projects.
Store data on approved, PRSTRT network drives.

Since our organization is dynamic in nature, you can expect, anticipate, and assume that your job description will change to meet these challenges.

Qualifications & Technical Job Requirements

Well organized and detail-oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated with the ability to work collaboratively in a high-paced, interdisciplinary team environment.
Analytical thinking - the ability to quickly analyze data and transform it into meaningful insight.
Excellent interpersonal skills - the ability to work effectively as part of a team in an unstructured environment; comfortable and effective in influencing at all levels; ability to tactfully give/receive constructive feedback.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Spanish. Proficient in the use of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Experience with data management (R or Python) is a plus.
Ability to follow directions, work independently, and perform detailed work in a high-paced, dynamic environment; handle multiple projects simultaneously; and ensure tasks are completed, and deadlines are met as required.
Drive for results invigorated by challenges; willing to take risks and tackle large and complex tasks.
Can take directions, work independently, and perform detailed work in high-paced. dynamic environment; handle multiple projects simultaneously; ensure tasks are completed and deadlines are met as required.

Experience & Educational Requirements

Candidates should have BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or related field.
At least 1-2 years of experience in an academic or industrial research or manufacturing setting.

“The Trust is an equal opportunity employer; we strive to maintain a workplace atmosphere that is free from discrimination. To those ends, the Trust provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, social status, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, veteran status, perceived or real domestic violence victim status, sexual harassment victim status, stalking victim status, and/or any other basis protected by law.”

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Laboratory Scientist (Fixed Term Contract)