Research Associate

SecureBio, LLC; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave (12 weeks)

401(k) match

Job summary

SecureBio, LLC is seeking a Research Associate in Cambridge, MA to support our Detection team. You will execute wet lab protocols, operate automated liquid handlers, and perform molecular assays including qPCR, dPCR, and NGS library preparation to advance our early biological threat detection technologies.

In this on-site role in Kendall Square, you will maintain equipment, manage inventory, and collaborate with automation engineers to optimize high-throughput assays.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of hands-on wet lab experience in molecular diagnostic or assay development environments.
• Demonstrated expertise with nucleic acid extraction, qPCR/dPCR, or NGS library prep.
• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Execute standard and experimental molecular biology protocols with precision.
• Perform nucleic acid extractions, qPCR, dPCR, and NGS library preparation.
• Troubleshoot experimental workflows and document laboratory processes diligently.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory to support detection technologies.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Attention to detail

Record-keeping

Education

B.S./M.S. in Molecular Biology or related

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Job description

• Starting compensation: $90,000 – $115,000
  
• Work location: On-site in Cambridge, MA

Role Overview

SecureBio is seeking a Research Associate to join our Detection team in Cambridge, MA. In this role, you will execute wet lab protocols, operate automated liquid handlers, perform molecular assays (such as qPCR, dPCR, and NGS library preparation), and maintain laboratory equipment and inventory to support our early biological threat detection technologies.

Laboratory Execution & Protocol Optimization

• Execute standard and experimental molecular biology protocols with precision and consistency.
  
• Perform nucleic acid extractions, qPCR, dPCR, and NGS library preparation.
  
• Troubleshoot experimental workflows and document laboratory processes diligently.

Scaling, Automation & Data Systems

• Operate automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan) and high-throughput diagnostic hardware.
  
• Maintain LIMS data entry, sample tracking, and reagent inventory records.
  
• Collaborate with automation engineers to optimize high-throughput assays.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
  
• 1–3+ years of hands‑on wet lab experience in molecular diagnostic or assay development environments.
  
• Demonstrated expertise with nucleic acid extraction, qPCR/dPCR, or NGS library prep.
  
• Rigorous attention to detail and strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating high-throughput automated liquid handlers.
  
• Familiarity with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) containment protocols.
  
• Experience using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and LIMS platforms.

Logistics and benefits

This is a full-time in-person role located in our Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA office.

Our employee benefits reflect our belief in investing to build the strongest possible team, in which everyone receives the trust and support they need to excel. Our benefits package includes:

Flexible work hours; unlimited paid time off (PTO) for all employees; and minimum 12 weeks fully‑paid parental leave.

401(k)

Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of total salary.

Starting 2027: up to 10% of salary in 401(k) contributions: 5% automatically, plus a 100% match on up to another 5%.

Excellent offices

Superb working environments in our Kendall Square offices, including high-quality ergonomic office equipment, snacks, and daily catered lunches.

Referral bonus

We offer a referral bonus of up to $3,000 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:

To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g.due to you introducing them to us when we didn’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position).

• If you refer a candidate that we invite to an in-person work trial, you will receive $600;
  
• If the candidate accepts a job offer from us, you will receive a further $2,400, for a total of $3,000;