Sample Management Group - Operator - Compound Hub

Job description

Job Description

The global compound management group of Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research’s (NIBR) Chemical Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) department is looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Sample Management Group (SMG) in Cambridge as an Operator within the Compound Hub. The SMG group is responsible for daily compound logistics spanning from processing of incoming compounds from Medicinal Chemistry through cherry-picking requests in support of Screening activities to management of the entire 1.4 Million compound screening collection. As a key member of SMG, the successful candidate will be responsible for the executing the daily operations within the Compound Hub team which is focused on incoming Medicinal Chemistry support, with the daily delivery against orders for production as a primary goal. As a secondary responsibility the Operator will also support and participate in the duties of the Solution Production lab.

Key Functions:
• The Operator will primarily be responsible for the timely processing of solid compound submissions through the Compound Hub, weighing solids in order to create solutions via Tecan liquid handler. This Full-time position works with additional contract staff performing similar functions.
• The Operator is also responsible for the timely processing of compound plating requests for routine biological assays using Tecan liquid handling systems.
• The Operator is responsible for training of new contract staff as they come onboard.
• The Operator is responsible to ensure all service level agreements are achieved on a daily basis and to work with scientific staff directly to complete orders.
• The Operator will assist the Solution Production Team with the fulfillment of daily orders involving the production of Dilution Series and Sub-Library plates. This involves operation of integrated systems from Tecan and HighRes Biosolutions and Brooks Automation stores.
• The Operator will be required to act as the primary point of contact with the chemists and research partners both within CBT and across NIBR in the fulfillment of their requests, understanding their requirements and ensuring their requests are completed satisfactorily.
• The Operator will be required to interface with the Global Compound Hub teams at the five NIBR sites to ensure uniformity of processes, continuous improvement of communication and workflows, and the resolution of issues in order execution.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Desired profile

Minimum requirements

Highly focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement and good communication skills with passion to improve existing Sample Management processes to deliver better products. The successful candidate should have:

• A minimum of a BS degree with 2+ years of experience working in a Compound Management or Automation group, preferably related to pharmaceutical or biotechnology operations.
• Demonstrated high level of personal self-motivation, well-organized, and be able to think strategically
• A thorough hands-on knowledge of activities related to many Compound Management processes, with a practical understanding of, quality control methodology, logistics management and service oriented practices.
• The candidate must be able to easily perform routine operational tasks, adhere to SOP’s, revise procedures, and conduct periodic instrument QC
• Good communication skills – verbal, written and listening. The ability to work well within teams across multiple sites is a must.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• This is a service orientated position requiring attention to detail, ability to work as part of a team and interact routinely with the scientific staff at Novartis.
• A familiarity with lab-IT and LIMS plus Tecan EVO systems would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of some or all of the following instruments/systems are required: Tecan Genesis, Biomicrolab Volume Checker, Biomicrolab Tube Sorter, Hamilton Tube Store.
• Previous experience with integrated systems from Tecan, HighRes Biosolutions, and Brooks Automation is a plus.
• Previous experience in a routine pharmaceutical lab production environment would be a plus.