Research Associate - Protein Sciences

Stealth Biotech Company; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech startup in Cambridge, MA is seeking a motivated Research Associate to focus on recombinant protein expression and purification. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include executing molecular biology techniques and maintaining rigorous records of experimental protocols. This full-time, on-site role offers the chance to contribute to innovative research in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Proficiency with bacterial E. coli protein expression systems.
• Familiarity with analytical and biophysical methods for protein characterization.

Responsibilities

• Support recombinant protein expression and purification efforts in E. coli.
• Perform analytical assays to characterize protein quality and binding activity.
• Execute standard molecular biology techniques including PCR and cloning.

Skills

Recombinant protein expression

Purification techniques

Molecular biology

Analytical assays

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biochemistry or related field

Tools

Benchling

Bio-Layer Interferometry

Affinity chromatography

Job description

We are a seed‑stage biotech company currently operating in stealth, leveraging cutting‑edge AI to transform the discovery, development, and delivery of biologics. We are backed by leading venture capital investors and supported by world‑class advisors. We are assembling a team to join us as we tackle the hardest problems in drug design.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Research Associate to join our team, with a primary focus on recombinant protein expression and purification. This is a fast‑paced startup environment where the ability to work efficiently and independently is essential. We are looking for someone who is proactive, resourceful, and comfortable navigating the demands of a dynamic research setting. In this role, you will be integral to our protein production pipeline, supporting the expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of proteins in bacterial systems, and contributing to cutting‑edge research alongside a collaborative and driven team. You will work closely with senior scientists to advance research goals, maintain rigorous data records, and contribute to experimental design and troubleshooting. This is a full‑time, on‑site position based in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Support recombinant protein expression and purification efforts in E. coli, including construct design, expression screening, and purification via affinity and other chromatography methods
• Perform analytical assays to characterize protein quality and binding activity, including Bio‑Layer Interferometry (BLI), SDS‑PAGE, and spectroscopy
• Execute standard molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, and DNA purification
• Maintain accurate, well‑organized records of experimental protocols, results, and data in Benchling or equivalent electronic lab notebook platforms
• Assist in experimental planning and troubleshooting in collaboration with senior scientists
• Contribute to the optimization and scale‑up of protein production workflows
• Communicate results clearly to the broader team through written reports and team meetings

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, biophysics, chemical engineering, or a related field
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification in an academic or industry setting
• Proficiency with bacterial E. coli protein expression systems and downstream purification using affinity chromatography (e.g., Ni‑NTA)
• Familiarity with analytical and biophysical methods for protein characterization, such as SDS‑PAGE, FPLC, and spectroscopy
• Experience managing experimental data in an electronic lab notebook, particularly Benchling
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with Bio‑Layer Interferometry (BLI) for binding kinetics analysis
• Experience with protein expression in additional systems such as yeast P. pastoris or S. cerevisiae or mammalian cell expression platforms
• Familiarity with Python or other scripting languages for data analysis and automation
• Experience with high‑throughput expression screening in multi‑well plate formats