Cell Biology Analyst

About the Role

Execute drug screening assays, maintain tissue cultures, deliver data to cross-functional teams, and contribute to assay capabilities while adhering to quality standards and timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform drug screening in various assays, including cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and permeability.
• Analyze generated data for accuracy and reliability.
• Maintain tissue culture facility and at least five designated cell lines.
• Monitor and manage storage, maintenance, and culture conditions to maintain cell viability.
• Identify improvements for tissue culture processes.
• Compile, analyze, and submit assay-generated data to teams such as formulation, regulatory affairs (RA), and Ciptec.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality delivery of results.
• Prepare and deliver monthly presentations of data generated during routine laboratory activities, highlighting assay throughput, tissue culture performance, and on-time delivery metrics.
• Plan procurement activities, maintain inventory accuracy, and negotiate with vendors for laboratory chemicals and consumables.
• Schedule and monitor quarterly calibration of instruments.

Major Challenges

• Ensuring timely data submissions amidst potential delays in procurement or availability of lab chemicals and consumables.
• Minimizing disruptions to research projects caused by facility or equipment breakdowns.

Key Interactions

• Internal: Formulators/API groups, Procurement teams, Accounts departments, IT support, Safety and engineering teams.
• External: CROs (for sample analysis), Vendors (for procurement), Collaborators (for scientific insights), Service engineers (for instrument maintenance).

Dimensions

• Assay Throughput: 75 screenings annually
• Tissue Culture Management: 5 cell lines maintained
• Data Submission Timeliness: 90% on-time delivery
• Instrument Calibration Frequency: Quarterly schedule maintained
• Cost Savings from Procurement: 15% YoY improvement
• Caco-2 Permeability: 10-20 drugs annually
• PAR-4 Project: 25 compounds screened annually
• Toxicity Studies: 20 compounds annually
• Mechanism of Action Studies: 20 drugs annually

Key Decisions

• Acquisition of new laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Selection of vendors based on service quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Identification of training requirements for new assay development and technology.

Recommendations

• Suggest improvements or developments in assay techniques to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• Provide inputs regarding critical equipment investments and lab safety upgrades.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Postgraduate degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related fields.
• 0–5 years of experience in cell culture activities and drug screening methodologies.
• Demonstrated teamwork and communication skills.