Scientist- Molecular Biology

6-month contract position in Boston, MA.

About the role

Design and execute molecular biology workflows supporting biologics discovery and production. This role owns the front end of the biologics pipeline from construct design and cloning through transfection and early expression.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot end-to-end molecular cloning workflows: DNA in-silico design and codon optimization, gene fragment assembly, plasmid construction, and production of transfection-grade DNA.
• Perform transient and stable transfections across mammalian expression systems (e.g., CHO, HEK293) to support protein and biologic production, including cell line development activities such as pool generation, single-cell cloning, and cell banking.
• Execute downstream expression and early characterization work: small-scale protein expression, harvest, and handoff to purification and analytical teams.
• Characterize expressed constructs and cell lines using standard molecular and analytical techniques (PCR/qPCR, Sanger or NGS-based sequence verification, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream/downstream process development, assay development, and automation engineering teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.S. with 3+ years, or B.S. with 5+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques (Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, restriction cloning, or equivalent) and construction of expression vectors.
• Direct experience performing mammalian cell transfection (transient and/or stable) in support of protein or biologic expression.
• Working knowledge of core molecular biology assays: NGS, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and standard protein characterization methods.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; disciplined experimental documentation habits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multispecific antibody formats.
• Experience with antibody design or discovery workflows.
• Familiarity with high-throughput or automated molecular biology workflows (liquid handling, plate-based cloning/transfection formats).
• Exposure to protein purification or downstream process development.
• Familiarity with NGS-based workflows for clone/sequence verification.
• Interest or prior experience in AI/ML-integrated experimental design or data-generation contexts.