Research Associate - Immunoassay Development

Kephera Diagnostics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kephera Diagnostics, a Boston-based start-up, seeks a Research Associate to design, develop, and optimize immunoassay formats for point-of-care and laboratory diagnostics. You will perform hands-on experiments, analyze data, document procedures, and contribute to assay validation and troubleshooting in a fast-paced team.

Collaborating with cross-functional colleagues, you will support technology transfer to manufacturing or clinical workflows, uphold GLP-like quality practices, and prepare

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a life science field (such as Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related discipline).
• Experience in diagnostics, immunoassay development, or translational research.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with immunoassays (ELISA, lateral flow) and adherence to GLP or similar quality practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize immunoassay formats for point-of-care and lab-based diagnostics.
• Perform laboratory experiments, conduct analytical testing and data analysis.
• Document procedures and results and contribute to assay validation and troubleshooting.

Skills

R&D skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in life sciences

Job description

Company Description Kephera Diagnostics, LLC is a start-up specializing in the development of laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic assays for a range of disease conditions, with a strong focus on emerging pathogens of global public health significance. The organization collaborates with academic and government laboratories in the U.S. and abroad to translate basic research into practical diagnostic products that address under-served medical needs. Kephera is advancing innovative assay technologies to meet complex diagnostic challenges and expand access to accurate testing. The company also operates a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified clinical laboratory that provides diagnostic testing services for a variety of emerging and underrecognized diseases. Team members join a mission-driven environment dedicated to improving global health through better diagnostics.

Role Description The Research Associate - Immunoassay Development role is a full-time, on-site position based in Boston, MA. This role involves designing, developing, and optimizing immunoassay formats and protocols for point-of-care and laboratory-based diagnostic applications. Day-to-day responsibilities include performing laboratory experiments, conducting analytical testing and data analysis, documenting procedures and results, and contributing to assay validation and troubleshooting. The Research Associate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support research and development projects, assist in technology transfer to manufacturing or clinical workflows, and maintain high laboratory quality and safety standards. The role also includes preparing technical summaries, participating in project meetings, and supporting continuous improvement in assay performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Research and Development (R&D) and Research skills, including experience designing experiments, evaluating assay performance, and interpreting scientific data.
• Candidates should possess solid Analytical Skills to assess assay results, perform quantitative analyses, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Candidates should possess effective Communication skills to clearly document findings, prepare reports, and collaborate with scientific and clinical teams.
• Candidates should possess hands-on Laboratory Skills, including working with immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, lateral flow), handling biological samples, and following GLP or similar quality practices.
• Relevant qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a life science field (such as Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related discipline) and prior experience in diagnostics, immunoassay development, or translational research.
• Additional beneficial qualifications include familiarity with regulatory and quality standards, proficiency with data analysis software, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced start-up environment.