Molecular Biologist in Waltham, MA

Onsite, benchwork

9AM-5PM EST, Monday-Friday

Contract Duration: 1 year

Location: Waltham, MA

Must-Have Experience with:

• Molecular cloning, PCR, DNA purification, ÄKTA chromatography
• Strongly Preferred Experience: Isothermal amplification, DNA analytics

Job Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced molecular biology scientist to support mRNA vaccine research and development by focusing on DNA production, purification, and analytical technologies.
• Key skills include proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as DNA sequence design, PCR, molecular cloning, DNA purification, and DNA analytics (e.g., gel electrophoresis, quantification).
• Preferred skills include experience with isothermal cell-free DNA amplifications, AKTA chromatography, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and biostatistics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Produce DNA Materials for mRNA-Based Medicine R&D
• Computationally design DNA sequences for target antigens.
• Perform molecular cloning, bacterial culture, and plasmid DNA extraction.
• Conduct DNA purification at various scales.
• Carry out analytical experiments for quality control.

Innovate and Develop Processes to Improve DNA Production Technologies

• Optimize existing DNA production and purification processes.
• Innovate and develop processes to improve DNA production, including cell-based and cell-free approaches.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and discover solutions.
• Contribute to establishing DNA production protocols and guidelines.

Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams

• Communicate with teams.
• Provide scientific input for project goals.

Required Qualifications:

• MS with 5 years or Ph.D. with 0-1 years of post-graduate experience in molecular biology, synthetic biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience with molecular biology experiments, including DNA sequence design, PCR, cloning, purification, and analytics.
• Experience or knowledge with AKTA chromatography.
• Extensive experience with process optimization and assay development.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent record-keeping, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to design and execute experiments independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or knowledge with isothermal amplification techniques.
• Experience or knowledge with biostatistics, including the use of software (e.g., JMP, Python, Matlab).

Education:

• Master’s with 2-4 years of experience or PhD with 0-2 years of experience
• Concentrations: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering