Research Associate I/II, Cloning/IVT (Contract)

flagshippioneeringinc; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrana Biosciences is seeking a Research Associate I for the IVT Production team to generate high-quality RNA materials supporting discovery and platform development.

You will execute DNA assembly, cloning, RNA synthesis, and QC, while maintaining thorough records and collaborating with multiple biology groups to meet project timelines.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, or related field.
• RA I: B.S. and up to 2 years of relevant lab experience.
• RA II: B.S. and 2–4 years or M.S. and up to 2 years of relevant lab experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques including PCR, nucleic acid handling, and gel electrophoresis.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute DNA assembly and molecular cloning workflows to generate constructs for RNA production.
• Perform bacterial transformation, colony screening, plasmid prep, and sequence verification.
• Execute IVT workflows to produce RNA for R&D programs.
• Perform RNA synthesis, purification, quantification, and QC using standard methods.
• Prepare DNA templates, reagents, and materials for IVT production workflows.
• Conduct PCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and track samples in ELab systems.
• Support high-throughput RNA production operations with quality and timeliness.
• Contribute to workflow optimization, process improvements, and lab organization.
• Collaborate with Molecular Biology, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams.

Skills

Molecular Biology

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

RNA handling

Record keeping

Collaborative work

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

LIMS

Automation platforms

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We are seeking a Research Associate I to join our IVT Production team and support the generation of high-quality RNA materials that enable discovery, platform development, and product advancement across the company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute DNA assembly and molecular cloning workflows to generate constructs supporting research and RNA production.
• Perform bacterial transformation, colony screening, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification to identify and confirm successful constructs.
• Execute in vitro transcription (IVT) workflows to produce RNA supporting research and development programs.
• Perform RNA synthesis, purification, quantification, and quality control using established laboratory methods.
• Prepare DNA templates, reagents, and materials required for IVT production workflows.
• Conduct routine molecular biology techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and track samples using electronic laboratory systems.
• Support high-throughput RNA production operations while ensuring quality, reproducibility, and timely delivery.
• Contribute to workflow optimization, process improvements, and laboratory organization.
• Collaborate with Molecular Biology, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams to support project objectives.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
• RA I: B.S. Degree and up to 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic or industry settings
• RA II: B.S. Degree and 2-4 years or M.S. and up to 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic or industry settings
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, nucleic acid handling, and gel electrophoresis.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience with RNA handling, in vitro transcription, or nucleic acid purification workflows.
• Familiarity with high-throughput laboratory operations, automation platforms, or LIMS systems.
• Experience in synthetic biology, RNA biology, or agricultural biotechnology.

Location: Cambridge, MA

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification . If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway.