Principal Research Associate

usion Life Sciences Technologies is a WBE-certified Healthcare Staffing and Engineering Services provider supporting industries including Pharma, Medical Devices, Aeronautical, Supply Chain, Heavy/Light Industrial, Food & Beverage, and Automotive. We proudly partner with 120+ clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Haemonetics, Delta, Caterpillar, Artisan Chef, Baxter, and many more. Our wide network of consultants and contract-to-hire engineers brings deep expertise across Engineering, Technical, Administrative, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Blue Collar, Skilled Trades, IT, Software Development, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain sectors. What sets us apart is our AI-powered, in-house software's enabling us to source and screen top talent within hours. This ensures rapid response times, high-quality matches, and virtually zero attrition. We support multiple engagement models including Time & Material, Staff Augmentation, Fixed-Bid, MSP, and C2C. ✨ Our Promise: Building America by delivering high-skilled candidates, Project based Suppport cost-effectively with rapid turnaround times. What We Do: For candidates: We connect them with opportunities that drive long-term career growth. For clients: We deliver talent within 24 hours, cost-effectively and execute projects end-to-end—on time, on budget, and without compromising quality.

Job Title: Principal Research Associate
Duration: 12 Months Contract
5011 - Vertex US - Leiden Center I 316 - 318 Northern Avenue Boston Massachusetts 02210
$40–$50/hr on W2

Job Description
The Analytical Development Principal Research Associate performs and supports analytical method development activities for cell therapy products and other biologics. In this on-site role, you will perform laboratory-based experiments, execute sample testing and data analysis, maintain high-quality documentation, and support assay troubleshooting and optimization. This position is ideal for a collaborative, detail-oriented scientist who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited to contribute to advancing innovative therapies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities    
Lead and execute laboratory experiments to support analytical method development, optimization, qualification, and lifecycle management for cell therapy and biologics programs.
Independently design, plan, and conduct sample testing and data analysis, exercising strong scientific judgment to ensure high-quality and timely results.
Maintain clear, accurate, and compliant documentation of experiments, studies, and results in accordance with GMP-like practices and departmental standards.
Author, review, and revise SOPs, protocols, technical reports, study plans, and other controlled documents.
Present data, project updates, and technical recommendations to internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
Work safely and effectively in a GMP-like laboratory environment while promoting compliance, quality, and operational discipline.
Manage multiple priorities independently, balancing day-to-day execution with longer-term project goals and team objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills
Strong hands-on experience with cell culture and aseptic technique. Experience with stem cell or immune cells is a plus.
Demonstrated experience with analytical methods relevant to cell therapy and/or biologics, including one or more of the following: flow cytometry and immunostaining-based imaging.
Working knowledge of GMP-like laboratory practices, documentation requirements, and quality/compliance expectations.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to evaluate complex issues and implement effective solutions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information to multidisciplinary and matrixed teams.
Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and influence across functions, contributing effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver high-quality results in a dynamic environment.

Required Educational Level
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in Biology, Chemistry, or equivalent and at least 5 years of experience
Master's degree (or equivalent degree) in Biology, Chemistry, or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience
In some cases, an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related academic/vocational experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role

Preferred Experience:
Knowledge of and hands-on experience with analytical method development, including characterization and release assays 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.