Contract Molecular Biology Scientist II — RNA/Nucleic Acids

The Steely Group; Cambridge (MA); Presencial; USD 27.000 - 36.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

The Steely Group in Cambridge, MA is seeking a part-time Research Associate I/II, Molecular Biology to help advance a platform for programmable medicines. You will contribute to design, synthesis, purification, and testing of novel nucleic acid therapeutics, working with a small, multidisciplinary team to build the foundation of an early-stage biotech.

The role emphasizes hands-on molecular biology, rigorous RNase-free technique, data recording, and clear communication as the company leverages

Formación

• BS or MS in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, chemistry, biology, biochemistry
• BS + 3 years of relevant industry or research experience
• MS + 1 year of relevant industry or research experience
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in nucleic acid production, purification, and analytical characterization
• Strong practical command of core molecular biology techniques including PCR, in vitro transcription, RT-qPCR, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and HPLC
• Experience handling RNA with RNase-free technique; familiarity with RNA secondary structure, folding, and stability considerations is a plus
• Exposure to small molecule x RNA, RNA-targeting, or oligonucleotide therapeutic programs is strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently and with peers on multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Independently motivated, organized, and excellent problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Competence with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad Prism

Responsabilidades

• Produce DNA templates supporting RNA production, including primer and oligonucleotide design, PCR, template preparation and sequence verification
• Produce RNA by in vitro transcription (IVT), including capping and polyadenylation, DNase treatment, and modified-nucleotide incorporation as required
• Purify nucleic acids using precipitation, spin-column based purification, filtration, magnetic-bead cleanup, and HPLC-based purification
• Characterize nucleic acid identity, purity, and integrity by gel-based imaging (agarose, denaturing and native PAGE), capillary electrophoresis, HPLC, and UV/fluorometric quantitation
• Execute molecular biology assays, including RT-qPCR, RNA stability and degradation testing under thermal and nuclease stress, and sample preparation for Sanger and next-generation sequencing
• Support assays that read out small molecule engagement with RNA, including RNA folding and annealing, thermal denaturation/melt experiments, and structure stability assays
• Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records in the electronic lab notebook; analyze data and present results clearly to the team

Conocimientos

PCR

In vitro transcription

RT-qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis

HPLC

RNA handling (RNase-free)

Data analysis

Independent work

Communication skills

Educación

BS/MS in life sciences

Herramientas

Excel

PowerPoint

GraphPad Prism

Descripción del empleo

The Steely Group in Cambridge, MA is seeking a part-time Research Associate I/II, Molecular Biology to help advance a platform for programmable medicines. You will contribute to design, synthesis, purification, and testing of novel nucleic acid therapeutics, working with a small, multidisciplinary team to build the foundation of an early-stage biotech.

The role emphasizes hands-on molecular biology, rigorous RNase-free technique, data recording, and clear communication as the company leverages