Research Associate

TSR Consulting; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

TSR Consulting is seeking a Research Associate – Scientific in Cambridge, MA to join the Translational Development Team, supporting cutting-edge R&D programs with spatial biology and genomic profiling to generate translational insights across development pipelines.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in spatial biology, genomics, or histology, and can learn quickly while collaborating in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Strong lab organization and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to learn new laboratory technologies quickly.

Responsibilities

• Operate and troubleshoot spatial profiling platforms (Phenocycler Fusion, Visium, and related technologies).
• Prepare samples, reagents, validation materials, and microscope slides.
• Perform spatial biology, genomics, and histology workflows.
• Maintain records, inventories, and data transfers.
• Help develop and optimize new spatial biology protocols and reagents.
• Ensure safety and quality standards are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientists to meet milestones.

Skills

Spatial biology

Laboratory experience

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related

Tools

Phenocycler Fusion

Visium

CODEX (Akoya)

CosMx (NanoString/Bruker)

Job description

TSR Consulting is currently seeking a highly motivated Research Associate for an opportunity in Cambridge, MA!

Job Title: Research Associate – Scientific

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: 12-Month Contract

Pay Rate: $32.35/hr (W2)

Work Schedule: 100% Onsite | Monday–Friday | Normal Business Hours

Parking: Candidates must be comfortable paying $20/day for parking at Cambridge Crossings.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research Associate – Scientific to join the Translational Development Team supporting cutting-edge R&D programs. This role focuses on utilizing high-dimensional spatial biology and genomic profiling technologies to generate translational insights across development pipelines.

The ideal candidate will possess strong laboratory expertise, hands-on experience with spatial biology, genomics, or histology workflows, and the ability to quickly learn emerging technologies while collaborating in a fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot spatial profiling platforms such as Phenocycler Fusion, Visium, and related technologies.
• Prepare biological samples, reagents, validation materials, and microscope slides.
• Perform spatial biology, genomic, and histology-based laboratory workflows.
• Maintain laboratory records, reagent inventories, sample tracking, and data transfers.
• Assist in developing and optimizing new spatial biology protocols and reagents.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientists to meet research milestones and project timelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Strong laboratory organization, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting multiple research projects.
• Quick learner with enthusiasm for adopting new laboratory technologies.

Required Technical Experience

Candidates should have hands-on experience in one or more of the following:

• Phenocycler / CODEX (Akoya)
• CosMx (NanoString/Bruker)
• Comparable spatial transcriptomics or proteomics platforms

Genomics

• Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)
• Bulk RNA/DNA sequencing
• Library preparation
• Sequencing workflows
• DV200 assessment

Histology

• Multiplex Immunofluorescence (mIF)
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antibody panel design, staining optimization, and spatial image acquisition/analysis.
• Basic mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with:
• CRISPR-Cas9
• Single-cell cloning
• Flow cytometry (4+ color)

Laboratory Environment

This position is laboratory-based and may involve working with:

• Blood specimens

Strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols and organizational standards is required.

TSR Consulting offers all eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to major medical, HSA, dental, vision, employer-provided group life, voluntary life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and 401k.

About TSR:

TSR is a trusted staffing and workforce solutions partner with more than 50 years of experience delivery highly qualified talent to support clients' most critical business and technology initiatives. Through a disciplined approach to sourcing, candidate vetting, and delivery, TSR helps organizations scale teams quickly while maintaining quality and reliability.

TSR operates with a global delivery model, leveraging specialized teams to support enterprise clients across North America and beyond.

In June 2024, TSR was acquired by Justin Christian, founder and CEO of BCforward, a global provider of professional services and workforce solutions. This partnership expands TSR's ability to deliver broader capabilities, global delivery resources, and enhanced opportunities for both clients and consultants.