Cell & Molecular Biologist - Investigator II

Cognizance Technologies, LLC; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO/HMO Health Plan (medical, dental,视

Job summary

Cognizance Technologies, LLC seeks a highly skilled Cell & Molecular Biologist - Investigator II to lead cell culture, molecular method development, and collaborative projects in a dynamic lab.

You will independently perform experiments, optimize protocols, and mentor junior staff while contributing to cancer biology research with recombinant proteins and gene editing technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or a related field.
• Strong technical and scientific background in current molecular biology methods and eukaryotic in vitro cell model systems.
• 5+ years of technical experience in research labs.
• Experience with recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning, cell culture-based in vitro test systems, and protein characterization.
• Authorization to work in the United States without restriction.

Responsibilities

• Culture cells used for studies and perform experiments and data analysis under supervision.
• Develop and validate project-specific molecular and cell-based methods; troubleshoot assays.
• Plan, develop, operate, record, and report steps of method development and validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on synthesis, docking studies, and protein crystallization.
• Mentor junior researchers and students in molecular biology techniques.

Skills

Cloning

Mutagenesis

Protein expression

Nucleic acid extraction

Gel electrophoresis

Protein purification

RNAi knockdown

CRISPR/Cas9

PCR

qRT-PCR

ChIP

Immunoprecipitation

Western blotting

SDS-PAGE

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology

Tools

GraphPad

ImageJ

FPLC (AKTA Unicorn)

BD FACS Diva

FlowJo

Kalliope (DLS)

CFX Maestro

Excel

Origin

Job description

Cognizance Technologies, LLC | Full time

Cell & Molecular Biologist - Investigator II

Silver Spring, United States | Posted on 09/01/2026

TheMolecular/Cell Biologist is a highly motivated scientist with strongspecialization in cell and molecular techniques and extensive experience inrecombinant protein expression and purification. This position supports ongoingbiological research within a dynamic, multi-functional laboratory environment,including projects aimed at identifying new therapeutic approaches for prostatecancer. The role involves independently performing experiments and assays,developing and validating molecular biology and cell-based methods, andcollaborating with cross-functional teams to advance research objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Cell Culture and Experimental Support

• Culture cells used forstudies.
• Independently performexperiments and assays and analyze data under the direction of the group lead.
• Critically think aboutthe experiment/assay being performed to fully understand the study objective.

Method Development and Troubleshooting

• Independentlytroubleshoot assays.
• Work with the group leadto develop and validate project-specific methods.
• Plan, develop, operate,record, collaborate, and report all steps of method development, validation,and/or updated processes or platforms for both molecular biology and genecloning, as well as cell-based model systems.
• Troubleshoot method andinstrumentation problems; be proactive in solving technical problems.

Data Interpretation and Reporting

• Maintain accuraterecords in the study notebook according to established SOPs.
• In collaboration withthe group lead and collaborative team members, interpret molecular tests andcommunicate results.

Research Collaboration and Mentorship

• Collaborate withcross-functional teams to advance compound synthesis, docking studies, andprotein crystallization.
• Mentor juniorresearchers and students in molecular biology techniques and involve them inongoing projects.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Molecular Biology and Protein Techniques

• Cloning, mutagenesis,recombinant protein expression, DNA/RNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis.
• Protein purification,including batch purification and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC).
• RNAi/lentiviral-mediatedgene knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
• PCR, quantitative(real-time) RT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), ubiquitinationassays, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays.
• SDS-PAGE, Westernblotting, and ELISA.

Cell-Based and Functional Assays

• Mammalian cell culture,transfection, cell viability and toxicity assays, and luciferase assays.
• Confocal microscopy,immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, colocalization assays, and BiFCassays.
• Flow cytometry,caspase-3 assays, transformation assays, and sub-cellular fractionation assays.

Biophysical Characterization and Genomics

• Dynamic Light Scattering(DLS), Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF), and UV/vis spectroscopy.
• RNA-seq analysis and DNAsequencing.
• Antimicrobialsusceptibility testing, fermentation, and bioprocessing.

Software and Data Analysis

• Proficiency withGraphPad, ImageJ/Fiji, Akta-Unicorn (FPLC), BD FACS Diva, FlowJo, Kalliope(DLS), CFX Maestro, MS Excel, and Origin.

General Professional Skills

• Ability to troubleshoot,optimize, and validate experiments without supervision.
• Strong computer,scientific, and organizational skills; previous experience with any LIMS.
• Excellent oral andwritten communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to workindependently and as part of a team, with self-motivation, adaptability, and apositive attitude.
• Ability to learn newtechniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records,follow instructions, and comply with division/center policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecularbiology or a related field.
• Strong technical andscientific background in current molecular biology methods and eukaryotic invitro cell model systems.
• More than 5 years oftechnical experience (after graduation) in research labs.
• Training and experiencein recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning, cell culture-based in vitrotest systems, and protein characterization.
• Authorization to work inthe United States without restriction or visa sponsorship.

Preferred Expertise

• Cell culture(suspensions, monolayers, 2D and 3D).
• Recombinant DNAtechnology and gene cloning (e.g., construction of cDNA-based expressionvectors).
• Gel electrophoresis andrestriction endonuclease digestion.
• Cell culture-based invitro test systems for cDNA and protein expression.
• Next generationsequencing.
• Protein/enzymeextraction (e.g., preparing microsomal fractions).
• Protein/enzymecharacterization and functional assessment (e.g., Western and functionalactivity assays).
• Data analyses (e.g.,kinetic parameters, statistics, bioinformatics).

• PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical, dental, and vision)