Contract Scientist- De Novo Discovery & Screening

Apex Systems; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems, LLC is seeking a Contract Scientist for De Novo Discovery & Screening in Cambridge, MA. You will design, build, and screen phage and mRNA display libraries to identify novel binders against challenging protein targets, collaborating with discovery biology, biochemistry and data science teams.

Qualifications include a B.S./M.S. in a related field and hands-on experience with PCR, cloning, and library construction.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Construct and screen phage and mRNA display libraries using PCR, cloning and in vitro transcription/translation.
• Identify and characterize novel binders against challenging protein targets.
• Support optimization of display platform workflows, including library amplification, enrichment and hit characterization.
• Prepare samples for next-generation sequencing and contribute to downstream data analysis.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to plan experiments, troubleshoot challenges, interpret results and advance projects.
• Maintain thorough experimental documentation and electronic laboratory records.
• Operate and support laboratory automation platforms and plate readers.

Skills

PCR

Cloning

Library construction

Data interpretation

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering

Tools

Phage display

mRNA display

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

# Contract Scientist- De Novo Discovery & ScreeningApply**Job#: 3052966****Job Description:**Contract Scientist- De Novo Discovery & ScreeningWe're partnering with an innovative biotechnology company seeking a contract scientist to join a hit discovery and protein engineering team focused on identifying next-generation therapeutic binders using advanced display technologies.In this role, you will help design, build, and screen diverse phage and mRNA display libraries against challenging protein targets while working closely with scientists across discovery biology, biochemistry, and data science. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on molecular biologist who enjoys solving complex scientific problems in a highly collaborative environment.Key Responsibilities* Construct and screen phage and mRNA display libraries using molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, and in vitro transcription/translation.* Identify and characterize novel binders against challenging protein targets.* Support optimization of display platform workflows, including library amplification, enrichment, and hit characterization.* Prepare samples for next-generation sequencing and contribute to downstream data analysis.* Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to plan experiments, troubleshoot challenges, interpret results, and advance projects.* Maintain thorough experimental documentation and electronic laboratory records.* Operate and support laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling systems and plate readers.Qualifications* B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.* 2-4 years of relevant laboratory experience with a B.S., or 1-2 years with an M.S.* Strong hands-on experience with PCR, cloning, DNA manipulation, and library construction.* Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, troubleshoot effectively, and interpret data.* Experience with laboratory automation and/or next-generation sequencing workflows is a plus.* Exposure to display technologies such as phage, yeast, ribosome, or mRNA display is preferred but not required.* Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative mindset.* Comfortable leveraging AI tools effectively and responsibly to enhance productivity and scientific workflows.* Ability to work on-site and participate in in-person collaboration.About Stratacuity:Whether you are seeking a career change or simply interested in becoming part of our network, you will appreciate the ethics guiding each Stratacuity team member. We build lasting relationships with exceptional biopharmaceutical talent and take great care to protect your personal information. Upon receiving your inquiry, you may be directly contacted by a Stratacuity team member to discuss your career goals. We will not share your information with anyone without your direct prior consent.PROVEN SCIENTIFIC PLACEMENTTMStratacuity is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stratacuity will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact us. *Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.**Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy**Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.**Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.**If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [e-mail] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.**UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.***Employee Type:** Contract**Location:** Cambridge, MA, US**Job Type:****Date Posted:** September 24, 2026**Pay Range:** $35 - $50 per hour