Position Summary

As an Associate Scientist I you will work on the Reprocessing Product Development Microbiology team to participate in the development of new products for both the STERIS Healthcare and STERIS Life Science sectors. In addition, you will support some activities for current products as well. In this role you will also employ numerous microbiology methodologies for testing including but not limited to aseptic technique, plate colony counting, inoculation and recovery of test articles and serial dilutions. This role requires accurately maintaining, recording and reporting of test data. Additionally, as an Associate Scientist I you must possess the ability to perform and accurately document tasks according to established work instructions and written protocols in a timely manner, while working both independently and within a team on multiple studies at different stages of the process.

This role requires in-person or onsite work 5 days per week at our St Louis, MO location.

What You'll do as an Associate Scientist I

• Carry out assigned projects, laboratory work, and data analysis under the direction of a supervisor.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Carry out routine and semi-routine tasks independently.
• Understand and comply with accepted laboratory and safety procedures.
• Demonstrate excellent laboratory techniques.
• Recognize and communicate unexpected results in a timely manner to supervisor.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook and document laboratory data accurately and timely.
• Help meet laboratory quality, housekeeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform all work in a safe and environmentally conscious manner.
• Successfully complete a basic microbiology skills evaluation prior to beginning any project work.
• Work with different decontamination/disinfection/sterilization technologies including liquid germicides, and steam.
• Successfully complete training and demonstrate solid proficiency in the following:
• • Microbiological techniques including serial dilutions, plate colony counting and inoculation/recovery of test articles using an array of BSL-1 and BSL-2 bacteria and fungi.
  • Aseptic techniques for use in preparation of microbiological media/reagents and sterile harvesting.
  • Use and interpretation of test controls in all experiments.
  • Operation of laboratory equipment used in testing.
• Successfully complete training and demonstrate basic understanding of the following tests:
• • Disinfectant or Preservative efficacy testing
  • Critical parameters testing
  • Simulated use testing
  • Microbiology testing required for FDA and EPA clearance of products
  • Population and purity testing for maintenance of bacterial and fungal stocks
• Write and revise work instructions (WIs), protocols and reports under supervision

The Experience, Skills and Abilities Needed

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.)
• Requires 0-3 years of related laboratory experience.

Preferred:

• 1 year of related microbiology laboratory experience (can include college level laboratory experience)
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Biology, Microbiology or Molecular Biology is preferred.

Other:

• Possess basic microbiology laboratory skills.
• Skilled in the use of basic microbiology laboratory equipment.
• Ability to read and follow protocols/work instructions/methods.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Possess good communication skills (technical writing, written and verbal).
• Ability to work on a team or individually.
• Ability to work in a methodical and organized fashion within established timelines.

What STERIS Offers