Research Associate

Activate; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Concerto Biosciences in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Research Associate to advance microbial product candidates. You will collect microbes, design and run molecular biology/microbiology experiments, and support high-throughput screening using the kChip platform.

You will document procedures and data meticulously, work closely with a team of scientists and the CSO, and contribute to a dynamic, growth-oriented lab environment on-site in the Cambridge/Boston area.

Qualifications

• A B.S. in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, and/or other related field.
• Experience in a microbiology or biology-adjacent related research lab (can be concurrent with degree).
• Experience with foundational biology lab techniques (e.g. pipetting/liquid handling, safely handling chemicals/reagents, waste management).
• Experience with microbiology (e.g. growth assays) and/or molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning).
• Demonstrated ability to work excellently in teams, as well as independently.
• Outstanding oral and written communication, data documentation, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support expansion of biobanks by isolating, culturing, and characterizing microbes from diverse samples.
• Perform microbiology experiments, including microtiter plate growth assays and microscopy.
• Use basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR.
• Maintain organized lab records and assist with high-throughput screening on kChip.
• Assist product development team with microbial fermentation and manufacturing work as needed.
• Order and stock reagents, ship packages, and communicate with collaborators.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Independent work

Laboratory skills

Education

B.S. in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

qPCR

pipetting

Job description

Employment status: Potential for contract position (est. 40 hours per week) or Full-Time

Concerto Biosciences pioneers science-first human health products powered by the most comprehensive and accurate map of the microbial world ever achieved. Enabled by our MIT-developed combinatorial screening platform kChip , our map incorporates 50+ million experimental measurements of microbial community behavior. These data train our proprietary AI, kAI , to expand the map further still. From this unique vista, hundreds of robust, synergistic, and multifunctional microbe-based ingredient hits stand out in plain view. The first was ENS-002, a three-strain biotherapeutic that successfully completed Phase 1 clinical testing for atopic dermatitis. We’re now unleashing the full might of our platform and data in consumer skin, vaginal health, and nutrition. Our R&D rigor and our proprietary ingredients pipeline fuels strategic partnerships with global leaders and innovative brands across categories, bringing our discoveries to consumers worldwide.

We believe the best human communities, much like microbial communities, are diverse—composed of individuals with different backgrounds, cultures, genders, and beliefs. We are committed to building a company where you belong and where your voice is heard.

Role Description

We invite you to join our R&D team as a Research Associate and accelerate our goal to discover microbial and microbe-based products. Characteristic responsibilities include: Collecting and cataloging microbes from natural communities, designing and performing molecular biology and microbiology experiments to support advancement of microbial, prebiotic, and postbiotic product candidates, supporting day-to-day laboratory logistics and organization, and assisting with high-throughput screening using Concerto’s novel technology (“kChip”: to learn more, see the links to recent publications provided below). You’ll need to be meticulous with your lab work and documentation, highly communicative, and able to work closely with a team of other scientists as well as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).

While lab experience is required, we don’t expect you to have experience performing all of the responsibilities listed below. Indeed, just as you help Concerto grow, we hope to contribute to your intellectual and professional growth as a scientist. You’ll have the opportunity to gain new skills by working with our world-class team, and you’ll also have the opportunity to advance within the company by taking on higher responsibility roles.

Responsibilities

• Support the expansion of our biobanks by isolating, culturing, and characterizing microbes from a variety of sample types following standardized protocols
• Perform microbiology experiments, including characterizing microbes in the biobank using techniques such as outgrowth in microtiter plates, fluorescence-based assays, and microscopy
• Use basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR
• Support general laboratory operations by taking on tasks such as routine media preparation, in-house kChip fabrication (bespoke training to take place upon joining), and maintenance of a highly organized lab (in collaboration with an operational technician and other scientists)
• Assist with high-throughput biology using our experimental screening platform kChip
• Potential to assist the product development team with microbial fermentation and manufacturing work as needed
• Maintain meticulous records, including documenting experimental procedures and data using our LIMS system and contributing to the development of new protocols
• Order and maintain stocks of reagents and supplies
• Ship packages and communicate with collaborators
• Contribute to individual and team success; frequently give and receive feedback to and from the team
• Consult colleagues and the scientific literature, as needed, to develop professional expertise and support ongoing and future projects
• A B.S. in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, and/or other related field
• Experience in a microbiology or biology-adjacent related research lab (can be concurrent with degree)
• Experience with foundational biology lab techniques (e.g. pipetting/liquid handling, safely handling chemicals/reagents, waste management)
• Experience with microbiology (e.g. growth assays) and/or molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning)
• Demonstrated ability to work excellently in teams, as well as independently
• Demonstrated ability to closely follow standardized methods and protocols
• Outstanding oral and written communication, data documentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to work on site at Concerto’s laboratory in the Cambridge/Boston, MA area
• Energized by a rapidly changing environment and excited to adapt research plans accordingly
• Passion for science, discovery, and/or human health and an eagerness to learn

Preferred Qualifications

• ≥1 year of full-time experience in a laboratory, and ideally within a fast-paced start-up environment
• Experience with isolation of bacterial strains from environmental samples
• Experience working with a diversity of microorganisms, including anaerobes
• Familiarity with cGMP laboratory practices