Research Associate Co-Op, Protein Biochemistry

Scorpion Therapeutics; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a master’s student for a co-op role focused on protein purification, characterization, and expression in mammalian systems. You will assist with routine expression in CHO/HEK cells, evaluate novel candidates, and document results for study reports, contributing to team updates.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a master’s program in biochemistry or related fields, with strong wet-lab experience and a growth-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Wet lab benchwork performed with accuracy and safety.
• Protein purification using chromatography (affinity/ion-exchange/SEC) and biophysical characterization.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and independently under supervision.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Growth mindset, integrity, and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Protein purification to required reagent quality (FPLC, affinity/ion-exchange/SEC and other chromatographic techniques).
• Protein characterization: assays/characterization (SDS-PAGE, Analytical SEC, BLI) to characterize therapeutic and novel molecules.
• Protein expression: assist with routine mammalian expression; transient expression in CHO/HEK cells; establish stable cell lines when needed.
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation of computational and experimental work; summarize results in study reports.
• Provide updates at research meetings (oral and written).

Skills

Wet lab benchwork

Protein purification

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication & organization

Maturity & integrity

Education

Master’s program enrollment (biochemistry/structural biology/chemistry)

Tools

MS Office

Data analysis

Slide presentations

Job description

Primary Responsibilities:

• Protein purification: purify proteins to required reagent quality (FPLC, affinity/ion-exchange/SEC and other chromatographic techniques)
• Protein characterization: perform assays/characterization (SDS-PAGE, Analytical SEC, BLI) to characterize therapeutic and novel molecules
• Protein expression: assist with routine mammalian expression; assess novel candidates via transient expression in CHO and HEK cells; establish stable cell lines when needed
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation of computational and experimental work; summarize results in study reports
• Provide updates at research meetings (oral and written)

Core Competencies (Required Skills):

• Wet lab benchwork experience: lab etiquette, pipetting, volumetric handling; chemical stoichiometric calculations and buffer preparation
• Protein purification experience using chromatography (affinity, ion-exchange, SEC) and/or biophysical methods for characterization (highly desirable)
• Ability to work cross-functionally and independently with supervision
• Excellent communication/organization; detail-oriented; proficient in MS Office, data analysis, and slide presentation
• Maturity, honesty, trust, and integrity; inquisitive and growth-oriented

Preferred Skills:

• Protein chemistry, protein-protein interactions, and/or protein engineering
• Protein expression in mammalian and/or bacterial cells
• Previous co‑op or intern experience

Education Requirements:

Enrolled in a master’s program in biochemistry, structural biology, chemistry, or related discipline (active for full length of co‑op)

Potential base pay range:

$28—$32 USD