Research Scientist I - Protein Sciences and Structural Biology

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

The Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA invites a talented scientist to join the Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT) as a protein biochemistry specialist. You will design and execute strategies to clone and express recombinant proteins, purify them, and support protein crystallography projects within cross‑functional teams.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or related field and 0-2+ years of industrial or academic

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or related field.
• Experience with recombinant protein purification using chromatography.
• Cloning and expressing proteins in multiple expression systems.
• Experience with protein characterization and biophysical binding studies.
• Strong collaboration in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategies to clone and express recombinant proteins in a variety of expression systems.
• Purifying tagged or native proteins using standard purification (FPLC systems and column chromatography) and analytical techniques (SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, light scattering, and protein LC/MS).
• With training, produce high quality protein crystal structures and co‑crystal structures, carrying out crystallization screening through to structure refinement.
• Initiating and completing routine protein construct design and production.
• Demonstrating the ability to interpret experimental outcomes and proposing follow‑up studies.
• Troubleshooting and solving scientific problems related to protein production independently.
• Operating and maintaining lab equipment independently, including protein purification systems like an AKTA pure.
• Investigating new technologies related to protein expression and purification.
• Documenting work and effectively presenting results in cross‑functional project teams.

Education

Ph.D in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or related life science field

Tools

AKTA Pure

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Overview

Embedded within the Broad Institute, the Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT) is a highly collaborative organization of professional drug discovery scientists. Our mission is to translate cutting edge biological insights originating from the Broad community into impactful drug discovery projects. We partner with faculty from MIT, Harvard, and the Harvard teaching hospitals together with industry partners in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and venture capital firms to validate druggable targets and identify leads. We combine our deep expertise in drug discovery with the knowledge and unique capabilities of the Broad Institute to explore drug discovery projects in a wide range of disease areas (including oncology, cardiovascular, psychiatry, infectious and rare diseases). We use systematic approaches in genomics, biology, high content imaging, chemistry, and machine learning coupled with the Broad's culture of creativity, risk taking, and open sharing, to successfully advance science and develop new treatments for patients.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategies to clone and express recombinant proteins in a variety of expression systems
• Purifying tagged or native proteins using standard purification (FPLC systems and column chromatography) and analytical techniques (SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, light scattering, and protein LC/MS)
• With training, produce high quality protein crystal structures and co‑crystal structures, carrying out the process from crystallization screening through to structure refinement
• Initiating and completing routine protein construct design and production in an independent and efficient manner
• Demonstrating the ability to interpret experimental outcomes and proposing follow‑up studies
• Troubleshooting and solving scientific problems related to protein production independently
• Operating and maintaining lab equipment independently, including protein purification systems like an AKTA pure
• Investigating new technologies related to protein expression and purification
• Documenting work and effectively presenting results in cross‑functional project teams

Requirements

• Ph.D in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or related life science field with 0-2+ years of research experience in an industrial or academic setting
• Expertise in recombinant protein purification using chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion)
• Significant experience with cloning and expressing proteins using different vectors, tags, and various cell culture systems (mammalian, insect, bacterial, yeast)
• Significant experience with protein characterization (analytical size exclusion chromatography, mass spectrometry, light scattering, western blot and biophysical binding studies)
• Experience in protein crystallography and crystallographic data processing, model refinement, and structural analysis is a plus
• Experience with biophysical characterization of proteins (ITC, DSC, SPR, NMR etc.) is a plus
• A proven record of successful interaction with project team members, external customers or vendors

Pay

Pay Range: $88,000/yr – $124,000/yr

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

Benefits

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Accommodations

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.