Principal Research Associate, Protein Engineering

Arbor Biotechnologies; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

New hire equity

Parental leave (12 weeks)

Job summary

Arbor Biotechnologies in Cambridge, MA is seeking an experienced molecular biologist to lead and optimize experiments for protein engineering campaigns. You will generate mutants, run cell-based assays, and evaluate variants for genome editing applications.

You will design AAV, IVT mRNA workflows, and sequencing analyses; work across multiple projects, communicate results to teams, and help shape our editing strategies.

Qualifications

• Hands-on molecular biology, cell-based assays, and protein variant evaluation.
• Experience in tissue culture and gene editing contexts.
• Experience with AAV or IVT mRNA workflows is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and troubleshoot.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments for protein engineering campaigns.
• Generate and evaluate protein mutants and variants for genome editing applications.
• Run cell-based screening workflows including transient transfection and transduction in various cell models.
• Design, package, and test AAVs for variant evaluation.
• Synthesize, purify, and test IVT-generated mRNA and prepare sequencing libraries.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell-based assays

Protein variant evaluation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology / biochemistry / molecular biology

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

AAV production

IVT mRNA workflows

Sequencing library prep

Nucleofection

Job description

Who We Are.

Arbor Biotechnologies, a clinical stage, next-generation gene editing company based in Cambridge, MA, is advancing a portfolio of first-in-class genomic medicines addressing serious diseases for which there are no existing functional cures, with a CNS pipeline initially prioritizing multiple ALS targets and a co-developed, clinical program, ABO-101, for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. The company’s unique breadth of gene editing technologies goes beyond the limitations of early editing approaches to unlock access to new gene targets and expand the therapeutic reach of genomic medicines. For more information, please visit: arbor.bio.

Who thrives here.

You’re driven by purpose and curious by nature. You take ownership, speak up, and stay steady when things get hard. You’d rather the team win than get the credit. If that sounds like you, keep reading.

Why this role matters.

Our protein engineering campaigns are how Arbor’s editing tools get better. More precise, more deliverable, more effective in the cells that matter. This role generates and tests the variants that tell us what’s working.

You’ll run molecular biology and cell-based screening workflows spanning AAV, IVT mRNA, and sequencing readouts, troubleshoot what doesn’t work, and bring back a point of view on what to try next. It’s a strong fit for a molecular biologist who can hold several workstreams at once and wants their data to shape where the campaign goes.

What You’ll Own.

• Execute and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments supporting protein engineering campaigns, troubleshooting production, delivery, and assay performance as issues arise.
• Generate and evaluate protein mutants and variants for genome editing applications.
• Run cell-based screening workflows, including transient transfection, nucleofection, and transduction in dividing and non-dividing cell models.
• Design, package, and test AAVs for variant evaluation.
• Synthesize, purify, characterize, and test IVT-generated mRNA.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and support analysis of editing outcomes, variant performance, and assay quality.
• Interpret data, summarize findings, and communicate results clearly to project teams.
• Recommend follow-up experiments, controls, and workflow improvements.
• Keep accurate records and prepare data summaries for cross-functional review.
• Partner with upstream design and downstream testing teams on planning, prioritization, and handoff.

What You’ve Done.

• Bachelor’s in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s with 3+ years. Industry experience preferred.
• Hands-on molecular biology, cell-based assay, and protein variant evaluation work.
• Supported protein engineering, directed evolution, gene editing, or similar screening campaigns.
• Tissue culture experience, including transient transfection, nucleofection, or transduction.
• Managed multiple experiments or workstreams with general guidance.
• Troubleshoot independently, analyze results, document carefully, and explain findings clearly.
• Preferred: AAV production, IVT mRNA workflows, sequencing library prep, or cell-based editing assays.
• Plus: CRISPR or other gene editing technologies; Illumina sequencing workflows.

What You’ll Get.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $95,000 – $110,000. Final offers will depend on experience, skills, and other job-related factors. Every employee is eligible for a bonus and new hire equity.

We pay approximately 90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums and fund the full deductible on our HSA plan. You’ll also receive 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay, paid parking or transit, a 401(k) match, and discretionary time off.

Arbor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a hiring process and a workplace free of bias and discrimination, and we welcome candidates of every background.