Cell & Molecular Biologist - Investigator II

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation; Silver Spring, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Job summary

Cognizance Technologies, LLC in Silver Spring, MD, is seeking a Cell & Molecular Biologist - Investigator II to advance cancer-focused research. You will perform independent experiments and develop molecular biology and cell-based methods while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role involves cell culture, assay troubleshooting, method development, data interpretation, and mentoring junior researchers in a dynamic lab supporting prostate cancer projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field.
• More than 5 years of technical experience in research labs.
• Training and experience in 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 or visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Cell Culture and Experimental Support: Culture cells; perform experiments and analyze data; support group lead.
• Method Development and Troubleshooting: Develop and validate project-specific methods; troubleshoot assays and instrumentation.
• Data Interpretation and Reporting: Maintain study records; interpret molecular tests and communicate results.
• Research Collaboration and Mentorship: Collaborate with cross-functional teams; mentor junior researchers.

Skills

Communication

Independence

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology

Tools

GraphPad

ImageJ/Fiji

AKTA-Unicorn (FPLC)

BD FACS Diva

FlowJo

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)