Contract Scientist- De Novo Discovery & Screening

Apex Systems; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Stratacuity in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Contract Scientist to join a hit discovery and protein engineering team focused on identifying next-generation therapeutic binders using display technologies. You will design, build, and screen diverse phage and mRNA display libraries against challenging protein targets while collaborating with discovery biology, biochemistry, and data science.

This hands-on role offers exposure to advanced display platforms, strong experimental design, and opportunities to

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.

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.

Skills

PCR

Cloning

DNA manipulation

Library construction

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Next-generation sequencing workflows

Liquid handling platforms

Plate readers

Job description

Job#: 3052966

Job Description:

Contract Scientist- De Novo Discovery & Screening

We'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.

Stratacuity 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.