Global Validation Scientist, Genetic Identity

JOB OBJECTIVE: Responsible for activities related to customer internal validations for the Genetic Identity Business Unit. Ensure alignment between departmental objectives and corporate activities and initiatives for delivery of validation support to our customers. Reinforce customer advocacy throughout the organization.

OUR TEAM:
We're a collaborative, global team of forensic DNA practitioners ranging from rising scientists to industry veterans. We help labs around the world validate STR chemistries and instrumentation, streamline workflows, and build custom solutions. Every perspective on our team is valued, and we genuinely enjoy working together. Add in Promega's commitment to its people and its long history of innovation, and you get a place where you can grow, make an impact, and love what you do. Our culture is like no other, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

YOUR ROLE:
As a Global Validation Scientist, you'll partner directly with forensic DNA laboratories around the world to bring new Promega instruments and chemistries into their casework and databasing workflows. You'll travel on-site to run validation studies hands-on in the lab, analyze the data, and write the reports labs rely on to put new technology into service with confidence. Once validation is complete, you'll train lab staff so they're ready to use their new systems from day one. Over time, you'll become a trusted advisor to your customers, drawing on your experience and relationships to help them get the most from their technology. On-site visits run on tight timelines, so you'll thrive here if you enjoy juggling priorities, thinking on your feet, and troubleshooting calmly when the pressure is on. Your work directly helps laboratories deliver faster, more reliable results that support justice in their communities.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Present validation programs on Genetic Identity Business Unit products, instrument platforms utilizing Promega chemistries, and related applications to customers (internal and external) worldwide.

2. Provide expert technical solutions to customers in multiple stages of the validation (pre-validation consultation, laboratory validation work, or post-validation training). Support methods include telephone, e-mail, or visits to customer labs.

3. Perform data analysis and/or laboratory work to fulfill the Statement of Work requirements for validation service engagements.

4. Attend and give presentations at local, national, and international meetings and seminars on the Genetic Identity Business Unit products primarily in the forensic field.

5. Assist in the design, analysis, and publication of developmental validations in white papers and peer-reviewed journals, reinforcing Promega’s industry credibility and customer confidence.

6. Promote interdepartmental communications by acting as liaison between GI marketing and other groups including, but not limited to, GI R&D, Technical Services, Technical Training, Complaint Investigation, Scientific Applications Services, and Scientific Communications.

7. Produce and maintain an archive of validation material that would facilitate the development of specific validation programs as the need arises. This includes, but is not limited to, tests, electronic files, videos, and Internet presentations.

8. Monitor and report on competitor activities, technical developments, and trends.

9. Maintain pertinent customer contact information within the CRM system.

10. Perform data analysis and/or laboratory work to identify root cause of customer technical issues, prepare for workshop or training, evaluate a new Promega product, or evaluate a competitor’s product.

11. Review marketing material for technical accuracy, including Profiles in DNA (publication), European GI team Identity, product brochures, communication to customers in compliance with ISO requirements, and other technical documents as they occur.

12. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

13. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

14. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. M.S. degree in molecular biology (or equivalent) with 3 or more years’ relevant forensic experience or B.S. degree in molecular biology (or equivalent) with 5 or more years’ experience in a forensics laboratory.

2. Experience with fluorescent detection, DNA sequencing or CE platforms with the ability to troubleshoot and train others on their use. Emphasis is on PCR and CE instrumentation and related software, including real-time analysis and use of CE instruments for genotyping.

3. Excellent communication and listening skills, both verbal and written.

4. Proven strong presentation skills in small or large audiences.

5. Ability to travel extensively both domestically and internationally - averaging 30% of the time.

6. Ability to maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment.

7. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and with other team members in a cooperative manner.

8. Ability to troubleshoot technical questions from customers and provide information to the customer in a timely, helpful, courteous, and professional manner.

9. Computer experience including Microsoft Office applications, Windows, Internet, and others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Prior forensic validation experience in genetic identity related areas or molecular biology.

2. Ability to troubleshoot most applications related to Promega’s complete product line.

3. Professional working proficiency (spoken and written) in a second language used by Promega's forensic customers, such as Spanish or Portuguese. Experience delivering technical training or presentations in that language is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to work with computer equipment frequently.

2. Ability to frequently and accurately communicate with customers via digital communication tools.

3. Ability to use scientific instruments and to wear personal protective equipment (lab coat, goggles, gloves, etc.).

4. Ability to handle potentially biohazardous materials and a broad spectrum of forensic samples, including bodily fluids and various tissues, whether fresh or significantly degraded.

5. Ability to remain stationary at a laboratory bench for extended periods, including with biological and fume hoods.

6. Ability to move and position laboratory materials up to 25 pounds.

7. Ability to travel for training or validation support, which may include long flights and adjusting to new time zones.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.