Associate Scientist

Associate Scientist

Summary:

Pfizer’s BioMedicine Design (BMD) is seeking a highly motivated biochemist to join Biotherapeutic Expression and Purification group (BEP) in Cambridge, MA. Qualified candidate will play a unique and essential role in both RNA production and transient protein production research laboratories. The groups support non-GMP RNA and transient protein lead production across Pfizer’s diverse biotherapeutic discovery portfolio to enable Pfizer’s research units and their pre-clinical therapeutic in-vitro and in-vivo needs. The BEP production groups are looking for a laboratory technician to provide DNA, RNA and protein production support for the RNA and protein activities in BEP. The candidate is expected to have a background in biochemistry techniques including nucleic acids, protein purification, and cell culture. The successful candidate will grow bacterial and transient cultures, perform large-scale DNA production activities, synthesize RNA, and purify protein following standardized protocols. The candidate will be a key contributor to the scientific team responsible for RNA and protein production and will report to the head of RNA Production.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct routine end-to-end molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including but not limited to:
• Cell transformations, day cultures, bacterial cultures, plasmid purification and digestions
• DNA characterization and quality control testing using techniques such as gel electrophoresis, RNaseA testing, nanodrop, PCR, and preparation of samples for sequencing analysis (Sanger and NGS)
• In vitro Transcription (IVT) and RNA characterization by gel electrophoresis, nanodrop and endotoxin testing
• Transient cell culture techniques such as transfection, cell number and viability monitoring, cell lysis and protein harvest
• Purification of proteins using liquid chromatography techniques
• Protein characterization by analytical SEC, gel electrophoresis, nanodrop and endotoxin testing.
• Maintaining daily work records in an organized electronic lab notebook. The candidate should also be proficient in using Microsoft products and an online database for request management
• Maintaining reagent, DNA, RNA and protein inventory
• Effectively communicating with team members to meet strict schedules and deadlines

Qualifications:

• B.Sc in biochemistry, chemistry, biological/life sciences OR;
• Associate's degree with a Certificate in Biotechnology OR;
• High School diploma with at least 2 years of relevant laboratory research school
• Proficiency in biotechnology laboratory techniques and performing quantitative analysis
• Experience working with bacterial cell lines and cell culture
• Knowledge of nucleic acid purification and synthesis
• Knowledge of protein purification techniques
• Must have good practical skills in a laboratory setting such as keeping an organized laboratory notebook and maintaining laboratory cleanliness to minimize contamination
• Ability to multitask and keep an organized record of daily work in an electronic lab notebook
• Must be able to follow detailed protocols and weekly schedules
• Must have the ability to concentrate while doing repetitive tasks
• Must follow laboratory safety rules
• Experience working with bacterial cell lines and cell culture preferred
• In vitro Transcription (IVT) and RNA characterization by gel electrophoresis, nanodrop and endotoxin testing preferred
• Protein characterization by analytical SEC, gel electrophoresis, nanodrop and endotoxin testing preferred

Rate/Location:

• $30 - $34 per hour
• This is a fully onsite role in Cambridge, MA

Please note contractors are engaged to provide services to Pfizer on a temporary basis in connection with a specific assignment. Contractors are hired and employed through Atrium, our third-party payrolling partner.

This job posting is for a temporary role as an employee of Atrium on assignment at Pfizer. The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of Atrium; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by Atrium upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued, and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Salary : $30 - $34