Scientist I (R&D)

Real Staffing; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Job summary

Pharmaceutical Company in Cambridge, MA seeks a Scientist I R&D for a 12-month onsite assignment. You will design, execute, and analyze molecular biology and proteomics experiments focused on ALS-related pathways, using qPCR, ddPCR, Western blotting, and imaging with iPSC-derived neurons.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or related field, with strong analytical skills and a collaborative, safety-conscious mindset.

Qualifications

• Experience with qPCR, ddPCR, and western blotting in a molecular biology setting.
• Background in genomics- and proteomics-based assays is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments investigating ALS-related pathways.
• Perform qPCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoresis, and western blotting.
• Support proteomic studies using HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD platforms.
• Maintain cell culture and perform plasmid transfection and viral transduction.
• Work with human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
• Contribute to target validation with imaging and phenotypic analyses.
• Develop and validate assays; summarize data for presentations.

Skills

qPCR

ddPCR

western blotting

mammalian cell culture

immunostaining

fluorescence microscopy

image analysis

iPSC-derived neurons

Education

MS in molecular biology/biochemistry/neuroscience

PhD preferred

Tools

HTRF

AlphaLISA

MSD

immunoprecipitation

Job description

Company: Pharmaceutical Company

Role: Scientist I R&D Location: Onsite in Cambridge, MA

Contract: 1 year W2 Contract

Hourly rate: 51/hour

Start date: 1/4/2027

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision

An onsite opportunity is available in Cambridge, MA for a temporary Scientist to support discovery-stage research within an ALS-focused neurology team. This 12-month assignment will contribute to early research efforts centered on target identification and validation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.

In this role, you will design, execute, and analyze experiments investigating genomic and proteomic changes in ALS-relevant pathways. Responsibilities include performing molecular biology assays such as qPCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoresis, and western blotting to assess gene and protein expression. You will also support proteomic studies using immunoprecipitation and protein quantification platforms including HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD.

Additional responsibilities include routine mammalian cell culture, plasmid transfection, viral transduction, and work with human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines. You will contribute to target validation studies through immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and co-localization, morphological, and phenotypic assessments. The role also involves assay development, optimization, and validation, along with preparation of data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in molecular and cellular biology, with hands-on experience in genomics- and proteomics-based assays. A PhD or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related discipline is preferred. Success in this role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, scientific rigor, careful documentation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and data integrity.

Must-Have Skills: qPCR, ddPCR, western blotting, mammalian cell culture, immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, iPSC-derived neurons

Nice-to-Have Skills: gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitation, HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD, plasmid transfection, viral transduction, genomics, proteomics, assay development, assay optimization, target validation

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.