Associate Scientist, NGS

SecureBio, LLC; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Parental leave

On-site lab

Catered lunches

Job summary

SecureBio, LLC in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Sequencing Team. This on-site role focuses on production-scale metagenomic data generation, instrument operation, and collaboration across teams to improve workflows and throughput.

You will own sequencing workflows, optimize protocols and QA/QC, document work in the ELN, and mentor junior staff while exploring new technologies to streamline lab operations in an AI-forward environment.

Qualifications

• MS with 4+ years of lab experience; exceptional BS candidates considered.
• 3–5 years hands-on NGS experience.
• Experience operating production-style sequencers (NovaSeq X Plus) and troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and communicate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows at scale on sequencing instruments.
• Improve protocols, QA/QC, troubleshoot issues and drive corrective actions.
• Document work in SecureBio’s ELN and use AI tools to work more efficiently.
• Mentor junior team members and lead projects with ambiguous scopes.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Lab operations

Education

MS in a relevant field

BS degree in related field

Tools

NovaSeq X Plus

QA/QC protocols

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

• Starting compensation: $105,000 to $135,000, depending on experience
  
• Work location: On-site (Lab) Cambridge, MA

Role Overview

SecureBio is building a metagenomics-based, pathogen-agnostic early warning system to protect the world from biological threats and potential pandemics. As advances in biotechnology lower barriers to engineering pathogens, our mission is to ensure humanity can detect stealth or novel threats early enough to mount an effective response. The Associate Scientist will join our Sequencing Team and play a key role in generating production-scale metagenomic data. While this is primarily an operational pipeline role, you will also collaborate across teams, take ownership of workflows, and test emerging technologies to streamline laboratory operations. This is an excellent opportunity to grow within an AI-forward, mission-driven team in a fast-paced environment.

Laboratory Execution & Optimization

• Execute and optimize end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows at scale with a focus on running sequencing instruments and working with third party vendors.
  
• Improve protocols and implement QA/QC; apply sound experimental design to optimize methods, troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions.
  
• Author and revise SOPs by identifying recurring issues and implementing systemic fixes.
  
• Document work rigorously in SecureBio’s electronic lab notebook, and use AI tools to work more efficiently.

Scaling Throughput and Data Systems

• Support and be a key contributor to the development of internal sequencing capacity.
  
• Partner with engineers and scientists to integrate liquid handling and lab automation tools.
  
• Support the design and utilization of sample and data management systems, ensuring accurate metadata tracking and proactively resolving discrepancies.

Leadership & Communication

• Take ownership of sequencing workflows and be the point person for ensuring samples flow seamlessly from the sequencers to data outputs.
  
• Own projects with ambiguous scopes, maintaining clear goals and steady progress.
  
• Mentor junior team members on methods and workflows.
  
• Contribute to internal reporting and external communication materials as needed.

Required Qualifications

• MS with 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience; exceptional BS candidates will also be considered.
  
• 3–5 years of hands-on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) experience.
  
• Direct hands-on experience operating production-style sequencers (e.g., NovaSeq X Plus), interpreting Q/C, and troubleshooting.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, work cross-functionally, and effectively communicate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with sequencing challenging or low-input sample types.
  
• Experience operating at production scale in industry or core-facility environments.
  
• Liquid handling automation.
  
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data analysis pipelines.

Logistics and benefits

This is a full-time in-person role located in our Cambridge, MA Lab.

Our employee benefits reflect our belief in investing to build the strongest possible team, in which everyone receives the trust and support they need to excel. Our benefits package includes:

Flexible work hours; unlimited paid time off (PTO) for all employees; and minimum 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave.

401(k)

Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of total salary.

Starting 2027: up to 10% of salary in 401(k) contributions: 5% automatically, plus a 100% match on up to another 5%.

Excellent offices

Superb working environments in our Kendall Square offices, including high-quality ergonomic office equipment, snacks, and daily catered lunches.

Referral bonus

We offer a referral bonus of up to $3,500 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:

To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g.due to you introducing them to us when we didn’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position).

• If you refer a candidate that we invite to an in-person work trial, you will receive $700;
  
• If the candidate accepts a job offer from us, you will receive a further $2,800, for a total of $3,500.