Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering

Arbor; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

New hire equity

Annual bonus

Comprehensive health coverage

Discretionary paid time off

Job summary

Arbor Biotechnologies, a Cambridge, MA-based biotech company, seeks an Associate Scientist to advance protein engineering campaigns for genome editing tools. You will generate and test protein variants, support upstream design, and collaborate across teams to drive handoffs and data-driven decisions.

The role emphasizes independent execution, cross-functional communication, and meticulous documentation to enable next-step campaigns and project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of related experience or Master’s with 6+ years in industry.
• Independently execute complex molecular biology and protein variant workflows.
• Hands-on AAV production, testing, and design troubleshooting.
• IVT mRNA synthesis, purification, and cellular delivery experience.
• Strong tissue culture with transfection/nucleofection in various cell types.
• Experience with experimental design, data interpretation, and next-step recommendations.
• CRISPR gene editing and Illumina sequencing familiarity is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot protein engineering experiments.
• Design and evaluate protein mutants/variants for cellular testing and analytics.
• Design and execute cell-based screening workflows across models.
• Package and evaluate AAVs for variant testing, troubleshoot production issues.
• Synthesize, purify, and test IVT-generated mRNA; ensure quality and delivery.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and analyze outputs for editing outcomes.
• Interpret data and inform next-step experiments and campaign decisions.
• Maintain documentation and prepare data packages for cross-functional review.
• Collaborate with upstream design and downstream testing teams for planning and handoff.
• Present results and provide scientific input to project planning.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein engineering

Cell-based assays

AAV testing

IVT mRNA testing

Data interpretation

Experiment design

CRISPR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

AAV production

Illumina sequencing workflows

IVT mRNA synthesis

Job description

Who we are.

Arbor Biotechnologies, a clinical stage, next-generation gene editing company based in Cambridge, MA, is advancing a portfolio of first-in-class genomic medicines addressing serious diseases for which there are no existing functional cures, with a CNS pipeline initially prioritizing multiple ALS targets and a co-developed, clinical program, ABO-101, for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. The company’s unique breadth of gene editing technologies goes beyond the limitations of early editing approaches to unlock access to new gene targets and expand the therapeutic reach of genomic medicines. For more information, please visit: arbor.bio .

Who you are.

You're driven by purpose and curious by nature. You take ownership, speak up, and stay steady when things get hard. You'd rather the team win than get the credit. If that sounds like you, keep reading.

About the Role.

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to participate in protein engineering campaigns for our cutting-edge genome editing tools towards generating best-in-class molecules. You will play a key role in supporting selection and generation of protein mutants/variants, for testing in cellular screens, downstream analytics, and communicating results within the team. You will also work cross-functionally with other teams to support upstream design and downstream hand-off and testing. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented and motivated molecular biologist with a willingness to learn and a team-first mentality.

What you'll do.

• Independently plan, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot experiments supporting protein engineering campaigns for genome editing tools.
• Contribute to the design, generation, and evaluation of protein mutants/variants, including recommending experimental approaches, controls, and follow-up studies.
• Design and execute cell-based screening workflows using transient transfection, nucleofection, and transduction in dividing and non-dividing cell models.
• Design, package, and evaluate AAVs for protein variant testing, including troubleshooting production, delivery, and performance issues.
• Synthesize, purify, characterize, and test IVT-generated mRNA, including troubleshooting quality, yield, and cellular delivery.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and analyze experimental outputs to assess editing outcomes, variant performance, and experimental quality.
• Interpret data, summarize conclusions, and make recommendations that inform next-step experiments and campaign decisions.
• Maintain high-quality documentation and prepare clear data packages for cross-functional review.
• Collaborate with upstream design and downstream testing teams on experimental planning, prioritization, and handoff.
• Present results and contribute scientific input to project planning and experimental strategy.

What you bring.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of related experience, or Master’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute and optimize complex molecular biology, cell-based assay, and protein variant evaluation workflows.
• Hands-on experience with AAV production and testing, including vector design, packaging, assay execution, and troubleshooting of production or performance issues.
• Hands-on experience with IVT mRNA synthesis, purification, characterization, and cellular delivery, including troubleshooting quality, yield, and transfection/nucleofection performance.
• Strong tissue culture experience, including transient transfection, nucleofection, or transduction in dividing and/or non-dividing cell types; experience with primary cells is a plus.
• Experience contributing to experimental design, data interpretation, and recommendation of next-step studies.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments or workstreams with general guidance and communicate results clearly to scientific stakeholders.
• Experience with CRISPR gene editing technologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with Illumina sequencing workflows is a plus.

Attributes for Success.

• Detail-oriented & motivated
• Willingness to learn
• Clear and friendly communication
• Team-first attitude

Compensation and benefits.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $110,000 – $120,000. Final offers depend on experience, skills, and other job-related factors. All employees are eligible for new hire equity, an annual bonus, comprehensive health coverage, and discretionary paid time off.

Arbor is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to a hiring process and a workplace free of bias and discrimination, and we welcome candidates of every background.