Molecular Biology Contractor - RA II

The Steely Group; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

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

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

PCR

In vitro transcription

RT-qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis

HPLC

RNA handling (RNase-free)

Data analysis

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

BS/MS in life sciences

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Part-Time, 20 hrs/week Our client is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic Research Associate I/II, Molecular Biology to join them in developing their platform enabling the next generation of Programmable Medicines. Their mission is to completely re-imagine nucleic acid therapeutics, casting aside long-standing dogma to pioneer integrated innovation at the cutting edge of both payload and delivery. In this role, you will contribute to their design, synthesis, purification, and testing of novel nucleic acid therapeutics. You will work closely with a small, multidisciplinary group of experienced scientists and engineers to advance the client's platform. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to building the foundation of an early-stage biotech company that combines an insurgent, swing-for-the-fences mindset with the backing, resources, and know-how of one of biotech's leading VCs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 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 rigorous 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.