Research Protocol Technician

Active Site; Town Of Cambridge; On-site; AUD 47,347 - 55,238; Part time

Job summary

Active Site is seeking Research Protocol Technicians to work independently in a BSL-1/BSL-2 lab on an 8-week fixed-term project in Cambridge, MA. You will conduct DNA assembly, cell culture, and transfection tasks with access to AI tools and internet search.

This entry-level role requires a bachelor's degree or enrollment in any field and US work authorization. The position is strictly on-site with no hybrid options and a rolling application review.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role with no prior biology lab experience.
• Currently enrolled in or holding a bachelor's degree; any field.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.; E-Verify employer.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA assembly and mammalian cell culture in BSL-1/BSL-2 labs.
• Conduct mammalian cell transfection and related wet-lab tasks.
• Work independently with access to AI and online search for project support.
• Operate in a lab setting with desk, bench, laptop and necessary equipment.

Skills

Independence

Detail-oriented

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree or currently enrolled (any field)

Job description

Key details

• On-site

• Location: Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square)

• Part-time: 4 hours/day Mon-Fri either 8:45 AM-12:45 PM or 1:15-5:15 PM

• Temporary: 8 week fixed term September 24-November 20, 2026

• Salary: $26.25/hour and $230-2,400 bonus

About Active Site

Active Site is a research nonprofit studying the intersection of AI and biology. We collect real-world data to measure how AI augments human performance in biological experimentation, using our findings to advance the science of capability assessments.

We are launching this project to gather data on how individuals of various backgrounds with minimal biology experience teach themselves foundational cell and molecular biology techniques. This position is intentionally designed to observe how individuals learn these new skills, and the resulting data will shape how new technologies like AI accelerate biological research.

About The Role

We are seeking Research Protocol Technicians to work independently to complete projects in cell and molecular biology.

• Core Tasks: You will work in a BSL-1 and BSL-2 lab completing tasks such as DNA assembly (molecular cloning), mammalian cell culture (growing human cells), and mammalian cell transfection (inserting DNA into cells).

• The AI Component: As part of this project, you will work with or without an AI for the entire duration of the project. In both cases you’ll have access to standard internet search.

• Work Environment: You will work completely independently and will not receive technical mentorship or assistance from Active Site employees or other technicians. You will be provided with a desk, lab bench, laptop, and phone as well as all of the lab equipment, resources, and materials needed to succeed. You will be working alongside approximately 40 other researchers.

Requirements

This project focuses on individuals learning new skills, therefore:

• Experience Limit: This is a strictly entry-level role specifically designed for individuals with limited prior biology laboratory experience. Candidates must not be currently practicing biological laboratory research.

• Educational Background: You must be currently enrolled in or hold a bachelor's degree. Your degree can be in any domain including a non-biological STEM field (e.g., engineering, math, computer science, physics, chemistry), biology (e.g., biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, molecular biology), or in a humanities or social science i.e. non-STEM field (e.g., English, philosophy, history, psychology). We also welcome master's students, PhD students, and advanced degree holders in all non-STEM fields and in all STEM fields except biology.

• Work Authorization: This position is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals currently authorized to work in the U.S.. Active Site Research, Inc. is an E-Verify employer and complies with all applicable work authorization laws.

Logistics & Policies

• Commute: The lab is an 11-minute walk from Lechmere Station, a 10-minute walk from Kendall Station, and an 8-minute walk from the First St Garage. We do not provide parking or travel assistance.

• Flexibility & Remote Work: We cannot accommodate flexible hours or hybrid/remote work.

• Absences: We can schedule make-up days for illness, but we cannot accommodate vacations exceeding 3 days during the 8-week term.

• Concurrent Commitments: You may engage in other jobs or classes as long as they do not provide hands-on wet lab experience and do not conflict with your scheduled hours.

• Future Employment: This is strictly a temporary role; we are not hiring full-time after the position ends.

• Personal Device Use: Use of personal devices is not allowed while working.

• Holidays: Our office will be closed on October 12 and November 11.

Our Hiring Process

• Deadline: September 4, 2026

• Step 1: Submit Your Application

• Step 2: 1 hour in-person, onsite interview

• Step 3: Offer

We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis and aim to move quickly. If you’re interested, we recommend applying soon.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

Active Site Research, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, sex, gender identity or gender expression, ancestry, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Active Site Research, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Active Site Research, Inc. is an E-Verify employer. Active Site Research, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of this job, please let us know.