Associate Scientist II

Title: Associate Scientist II
Location: Watertown, MA
Duration: 1 year
Shift: onsite; Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Payrate: $44/hr. on W2

Top skills per mgr:
1. Technical skills (cell/molecular biology)
2. Attention to detail
3. Mammalian cell culture experience
4. Master's Degree + min of 2 years working experience preferred

Purpose:

• The Rare Disease Research team is looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist I to support early-phase research aimed at developing Client therapies for patients with rare blood disease.
• The candidate will be responsible for cell and molecular biology work supporting in vitro and ex vivo studies to identify and validate new targets.
• The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is eager to learn, highly collaborative, and detail oriented.
• The successful candidate will be asked to carry out scientifically and technically rigorous experiments and analysis and will receive training and mentorship from multiple Scientists.

• Mammalian cell culture (including isolation of hematopoietic cells from human bio samples, culture & differentiation of human primary hematopoietic cells, generation of edited lines via eg CRISPR/Cas or overexpression)
• Tissue sample processing (protein and mRNA) for downstream bioassays
• Generating and analyzing cell-based/molecular assay data using a variety of methodologies (examples: qRT-PCR, plate-based assays, enzyme assays) with rigorous scientific standards, troubleshooting where needed, and careful documentation practices
• Optimization and troubleshooting of bioassays
• Additional Responsibilities:
• Maintenance of electronic laboratory notebooks
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of lab instruments
• Data package preparation and presentation
• Participation in team meetings 

• MS in biology + 2 years working experience (PREFERRED) or BA in biology + 4 years experience
• 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience (industry setting preferred, not academic)
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture. (Preferred: experience with isolation and culture of primary human hematopoietic cells, experience generating edited cell lines)
• Experience in downstream bioassays including one or more of the following: qPCR, ELISA/Western blot, multicolor flow cytometry
• Practical knowledge in basic cell and molecular biology principles
• Able to work independently on tasks of moderate complexity with limited supervision; able to troubleshoot complex tasks
• Commitment to careful and thorough technical documentation, including electronic laboratory notebooks and study reports
• Strong organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and make independent decisions about day-to-day activities.