Research Associate I/II, Cloning/IVT (Contract)

Flagship Pioneering; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrana Biosciences, Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Research Associate I to support IVT RNA production and related molecular biology workflows. You will generate high-quality RNA materials for discovery, platform development, and product advancement across the company.

The role involves DNA assembly, bacterial transformation, IVT, RNA synthesis, QC, and collaboration with Molecular Biology, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
• RA I: BS degree with up to 2 years of relevant lab experience.
• RA II: BS with 2–4 years or MS with up to 2 years of relevant lab experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques including PCR, nucleic acid handling, and gel electrophoresis.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute DNA assembly and molecular cloning workflows to generate constructs for RNA production.
• Perform bacterial transformation, colony screening, plasmid prep, and sequence verification.
• Execute in vitro transcription (IVT) workflows to produce RNA for research programs.
• Perform RNA synthesis, purification, quantification, and QC using established methods.
• Prepare DNA templates, reagents, and materials for IVT production workflows.
• Conduct PCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quantification as part of routine biology work.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and track samples using ELab systems.
• Support high-throughput RNA production operations with quality and timely delivery.
• Contribute to workflow optimization, process improvements, and lab organization.
• Collaborate with Molecular Biology, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Record-keeping

Team collaboration

Education

BS or MS in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

LIMS

Automation platforms

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We are seeking a Research Associate I to join our IVT Production team and support the generation of high-quality RNA materials that enable discovery, platform development, and product advancement across the company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute DNA assembly and molecular cloning workflows to generate constructs supporting research and RNA production.
• Perform bacterial transformation, colony screening, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification to identify and confirm successful constructs.
• Execute in vitro transcription (IVT) workflows to produce RNA supporting research and development programs.
• Perform RNA synthesis, purification, quantification, and quality control using established laboratory methods.
• Prepare DNA templates, reagents, and materials required for IVT production workflows.
• Conduct routine molecular biology techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and track samples using electronic laboratory systems.
• Support high-throughput RNA production operations while ensuring quality, reproducibility, and timely delivery.
• Contribute to workflow optimization, process improvements, and laboratory organization.
• Collaborate with Molecular Biology, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams to support project objectives.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
• RA I: B.S. Degree and up to 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic or industry settings
• RA II: B.S. Degree and 2–4 years or M.S. and up to 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic or industry settings
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, nucleic acid handling, and gel electrophoresis.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience with RNA handling, in vitro transcription, or nucleic acid purification workflows.
• Familiarity with high-throughput laboratory operations, automation platforms, or LIMS systems.
• Experience in synthetic biology, RNA biology, or agricultural biotechnology.

Location: Cambridge, MA

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

The pay range for this role is $31 - $45 per hour and the contractor will be employed by a third-party staffing company. Certain employee benefits may be available to the contractor through the staffing company after meeting minimum criteria. Compensation and benefits information is based on Terrana Biosciences, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.