Research Associate

Spectrum Staffing, Inc.; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Staffing, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to support early-stage drug discovery programs within a Protein Sciences environment in Princeton, NJ.

The role focuses on executing protein expression workflows, analyzing data, and delivering high-quality results that advance multiple projects. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in protein biochemistry, structural biology, or biophysics and hands-on experience with insect and mammalian expression systems, including baculovirus,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Sciences, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of protein biochemistry and biophysics.
• Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression.
• Experience with insect and mammalian expression systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute approved experimental work plans supporting early drug discovery projects.
• Support multiple concurrent projects across therapeutic areas while prioritizing deliverables.
• Design, execute, and optimize protein expression workflows to produce high-quality recombinant proteins.
• Work with insect cell platforms such as baculovirus and Drosophila S2 cells.
• Work with mammalian expression systems including HEK 293 and CHO cells.
• Perform preliminary data analysis and prepare results for internal scientific review.
• Deliver accurate and timely experimental results meeting established quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to optimize workflows and provide recommendations to senior team members.
• Make day-to-day technical decisions within assigned areas.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment per training and SOPs.
• Follow laboratory safety policies and good laboratory practices.

Skills

Protein expression

Biochemistry

Structural biology

Biophysics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Baculovirus BEVS

Drosophila S2 cells

HEK293 cells

CHO cells

Job description

We are seeking a Research Associate to support early-stage drug discovery programs within a Protein Sciences environment. This position will focus on the execution of protein science work plans, including recombinant protein expression, experimental execution, preliminary data analysis, and delivery of high-quality scientific results. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in protein biochemistry, structural biology, or biophysics and hands‑on experience with proteinexpressionusing insect and/or mammalian cell systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute approved experimental work plans supporting early drug discovery projects.
• Support multiple concurrent projects across different therapeutic areas and modalities while effectively prioritizing deliverables.
• Design, execute, and optimize protein expression workflows to produce high-quality recombinant proteins.
• Work with protein expression systems including insect cell platforms such as baculovirus and/or Drosophila S2 cells.
• Work with mammalian expression systems including HEK 293 and CHO cells.
• Perform preliminary data analysis and prepare results for internal scientific review.
• Deliver accurate and timely experimental results that meet established quality standards and project specifications.
• Identify opportunities to optimize and continuously improve experimental workflows and provide recommendations to senior scientific team members.
• Make appropriate day‑to‑day technical decisions within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Properly operate and maintain laboratory equipment in accordance with established training and procedures.
• Follow laboratory safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and good laboratory practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s orMaster’sdegree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Sciences, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Ideally 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of protein biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with recombinant protein expression.
• Experience with insect cell expression systems, including baculovirus and/or Drosophila S2, and/or mammalian expression systems such as HEK 293 and CHO.
• Ability to understand the scientific and technical rationale behind experiments.
• Experience accurately executing established experimental work plans and protocols.
• Ability to work with some independence and make day‑to‑day technical decisions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently produce high-quality experimental results.
• Ability to manage priorities and contribute effectively across multiple projects in a collaborative laboratory environment.