Senior Research Associate, Strain Engineering

Scorpion Therapeutics; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support microbial strain engineering for recombinant protein production in a biotech startup environment. You will design and assemble DNA constructs, perform sequencing and functional assays, and maintain microbial banks while supporting process development with bioprocess teams.

Ideal candidates have hands-on molecular biology experience, strong documentation skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Bioengineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Hands-on molecular biology and culture handling with aseptic technique.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble DNA constructs using Golden Gate and HiFi methods.
• Perform sequencing, PCR, gel electrophoresis and functional assays.
• Maintain microbial banks and manage lab operations.
• Support process development through collaboration with bioprocess teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

Strain engineering

PCR

Aseptic techniques

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Golden Gate assembly

HiFi assembly

DNA sequencing

Gel electrophoresis

Benchling

Geneious

Job description

Role

Senior Research Associate supporting microbial strain engineering for recombinant protein production within a biotech startup environment.

Objectives

Optimize microbial hosts, construct and evaluate genetically engineered strains, and collaborate across discovery and development teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble DNA constructs using techniques like Golden Gate and HiFi
• Perform sequencing, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and functional assays
• Maintain microbial banks and lab operations
• Support process development through partnership with bioprocess teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's (5-7 years) or Master's (3-5 years) in Bioengineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field
• Hands-on molecular biology expertise, microbial culture handling, and aseptic techniques
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to troubleshoot independently

Preferred

• Experience with industrial microbial hosts (E. coli, Bacillus, yeast)
• Flow cytometry
• Protein purification
• Familiarity with Benchling or Geneious

High-Value

• Microbial strain engineering
• Recombinant protein production
• Laboratory operations
• Cross-functional collaboration

located in Cambridge, MA.