Research Associate

About the role

This Research Associate role focuses on hands-on molecular biology work at the bench, primarily involving DNA extraction from human blood samples, PCR, and sequencing. The position sits within a platform integration team that bridges assay development with prototype design and testing, offering significant opportunities to learn molecular techniques and contribute to the automation of laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA extractions from human blood samples using established nucleic acid techniques, including purification and quantification.
• Conduct PCR, including qPCR, multiplex PCR, and sequencing workflows such as n-point PCR or reverse PCR, following detailed SOPs.
• Work at the laboratory bench for the majority of the workday, performing tasks such as heating, mixing, and other control tests as part of molecular workflows.
• Create, execute, and maintain bench controls for experiments, understanding that some control workflows may take from half a day to multiple weeks to complete.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently to ensure sample integrity and maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment.
• Document all experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately and in an organized manner in accordance with GLP and internal SOPs.
• Interpret and analyze experimental data, identify trends or issues, and communicate findings clearly to the platform integration and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with a team of specialized biotech professionals, contributing to different stages of assay development, platform integration, and prototype testing.
• Adapt to varying workloads and experimental timelines, repurposing time and resources efficiently when project priorities shift.
• Engage in cross-functional projects, contributing molecular biology expertise to support integration with other teams and technologies.
• Participate in problem solving and troubleshooting of experiments, instruments, and workflows to improve robustness and reliability of assays.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and results effectively to colleagues and stakeholders, both verbally and in written reports or presentations.
• Demonstrate a personable, enthusiastic, and team-oriented attitude that supports a positive and collaborative lab culture.
• Use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to manage documentation, data analysis, and presentations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in a relevant life science such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Immunology.
• Approximately 1.5 to 3 years of experience in an applicable life sciences laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including DNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
• Proficiency in PCR and qPCR, including multiplex PCR workflows.
• Experience with molecular biology sample preparation, including the use of magnetic particles.
• Strong understanding and practice of aseptic technique in a laboratory environment.
• Ability and willingness to work with human blood samples on a routine basis.
• Familiarity with GLP principles and strict adherence to SOPs and documentation standards.
• Competency in data interpretation and analysis related to molecular biology experiments.
• Comfort working in a team-based environment and contributing to shared project goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot experiments and workflows.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey experimental results and project updates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory environment with live organisms is a plus.
• Prior exposure to platform integration, assay development, or prototype design and testing is beneficial.
• Experience creating and managing bench controls for complex experiments is advantageous.
• Experience or familiarity with sequencing workflows, including n-point PCR or reverse PCR, is highly desirable.
• Ability to adapt to repetitive tasks while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate across different project stages.
• Personable, enthusiastic, and collaborative demeanor that supports a positive team dynamic.
• Interest in learning how to transfer manual molecular techniques to automated processes.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced biotech environment with evolving priorities and timelines.