Biologist III

Biologist III
$48 - $52/hr with medical benefits available at a cost
6 month initial contract with possibility of extensions
100% onsite in Worcester, MA
Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm

Orion Project Services and our largest US client are excited to bring you an amazing contract opportunity for a Biologist III. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of basic research and early drug discovery in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise in primary cell culture, 3D cell models, immunoassays, and molecular biology techniques, and thrives both independently and within a collaborative team setting.

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled scientist to join our Immunology Discovery team in Worcester, MA. In this role, you will collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams to advance portfolio projects, with a core focus on human intestinal organoid biology, ex vivo tissue processing, and cell-based in vitro assay execution. Responsibilities span the full experimental cycle from assay design and execution to data analysis and cross-team communication across diverse and technically demanding cell systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Culture, passage, and plate human intestinal organoids to support the group's research objectives.
• Perform assays in primary 3D cell culture models such as Transwells or MPS/CIVM platforms.
• Test biologic and small molecule compounds in cell-based assays for functional readouts, including cell proliferation, cytokine release, and gene expression.
• Execute advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, including but not limited to flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA, MSD, and qPCR.
• Process human tissue ex vivo and isolate organoids, fibroblasts, and immune cells from human tissue or blood.
• Work independently on the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental results to validate project-relevant hypotheses.
• Maintain close communication with multiple teams to support human intestinal organoid cell needs.
• Implement and innovate new experimental protocols and techniques as needed.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and report data consistently, concisely, and rigorously, both to individual stakeholders and in group settings.
• Demonstrate scientific excellence through dedicated contributions to multiple projects in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Drive project impact primarily through hands-on, lab-based activities.

Qualifications and Requirements:
Required skills:

• At least a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field, with 4+ years of experience in an industry setting.
• In vitro cell culture experience, including sterile techniques and handling of challenging cell types.
• Experience working with primary human organoids.
• Comfortable handling with ex vivo human tissue and processing.
• Experience with 3D cell culture models such as transwells or MPS/CIVM platforms.
• Proficiency in ELISA, MSD or Luminex
• Ability to learn new skills and apply them in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Comfortable managing, shifting timelines and evolving work priorities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

Skills that are nice to have:

• Experience with cell-based assay development.
• Proficiency in multi-color flow cytometry.
• Experience with gene expression analysis by qPCR.
• Experience working with fibroblasts and immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes.

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Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.