Research Associate

In what part of Dako do you work and for how longhave you worked with the company?
"I work in Research and Development. I have worked as a Research Associate for seven months and as the Lab Assistant for a little over a year."

What do you do?
"As an RA in the Ready-To-Use group, I am responsible for the design and verification of several cancer and virus-marking antibodies as a part of our RTU Portfolio. I test each Antibody on a variety of tissues, both clinical and normal, in order to determine the proper dilution and staining protocol for each."

What are the requirements of your job?
"My job requires that I spend about half my time in the lab working up these products, and the other half documenting experiments, writing package inserts, and aiding in design control. Attention to detail, solid work ethic, and the ability to prioritize a variety of responsibilities are just a few of the characteristics that my position demands."

Why did you choose to work for Dako?
"I began working for Dako while I was still an Undergraduate at UCSB. The position of Lab Assistant seemed like a great job while I was still in school, and it was a great way to get my foot in the door of biomedical research. After just a few months, my supervisors trusted me enough to hand me more responsibility, and soon, I was doing actual research related to Dako products. I continue to work at Dako because of this trust, and the challenging, fulfilling environment it facilitates."

What kind of development opportunities do you see at Dako?
"One advantage that Dako may have over our competitors is the unique opportunity for advancement and learning enjoyed by each employee. In my experience here, I have been able to learn and take on things that I surely would not have been privy to at other companies. From a science perspective, my supervisors and peers have been incredibly helpful in sharing their knowledge of our research as well as their personal backgrounds. From an administrative standpoint, I have been allowed to participate in the design control processes that govern each and every new product. This experience has given me a new insight on the work I do. In my short time here Dako has given me a wealth of industrial knowledge."

Can you give an example or two of what makes working at Dako special?
"There are two things that I find special about working for Dako. First, is the prospect of advancement. It seems that this company rewards commitment and hard work. If you have the desire to be in charge of a product line or manage a group of people, the opportunity is there for those who are willing to stand out and work for it. The second and most important feature of Dako is its people. From my first days here it was quite evident that this company strives to employ only the finest people. I have never known a friendlier and more helpful workplace. This, above all is the biggest advantage Dako has. Everyone working here is a team. There is no cutthroat competition, social hierarchy, or general rudeness that plagues the modern workplace. Instead, everyone here is congenial, and aware that we are all working toward the same goals. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to work here."