Scientist

Job title: Scientist - DNA Platform

Location: Waltham, MA (02451)

Duration: 12 Months

This position's starting pay is: $46.00/hr.

HM Notes:

• Onsite, benchwork
• •Education: Master’s with 2-4 years of experience or PhD with 0-2 years of experience Concentrations: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering
• Must-Have Experience with:
• Molecular cloning, PCR, DNA purification, ÄKTA chromatography
• Strongly Preferred Experience: Isothermal amplification, DNA analytics
• Similar Job Title: Molecular Biologist, Synthetic Biologist
• OTHER: HM mentioned that the job description is quite detailed and outlines exactly what they’re looking for.

Description:

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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).

About Us: Established in 2004, SPECTRAFORCE® is one of the largest and fastest-growing diversity-owned staffing firms in the US. The growth of our company is a direct result of our global client service delivery model that is powered by our state-of-the-art A.I. proprietary talent acquisition platform, robust ISO 9001:2015/ISO 27001 certified processes, and strong and passionate client engaged teams. We have built our business by providing talent and project-based solutions, including Contingent, Permanent, and Statement of Work (SOW) services to over 140 clients in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and India. Key industries that we service include Technology, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Telecom, Retail, Utilities and Transportation. SPECTRAFORCE is built on a concept of “human connection,” defined by our branding attitude of NEWJOBPHORIA®, which is the excitement of bringing joy and freedom to the work lifestyle so our people and clients can reach their highest potential. Learn more at: http://www.spectraforce.com

Benefits: SPECTRAFORCE offers ACA compliant health benefits as well as dental, vision, accident, critical illness, voluntary life, and hospital indemnity insurances to eligible employees. Additional benefits offered to eligible employees include commuter benefits, 401K plan with matching, and a referral bonus program. SPECTRAFORCE provides unpaid leave as well as paid sick leave when required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer: SPECTRAFORCE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Please contact Human Resources at LOA@spectraforce.com if you require reasonable accommodation.

California Applicant Notice: SPECTRAFORCE is committed to complying with the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) effective January 1, 2023; and all data privacy laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. A Notice to California Job Applicants Regarding the Collection of Personal Information can be located on our website. Applicants with disabilities may access this notice in an alternative format by contacting NAHR@spectraforce.com.

LA County, CA Applicant Notice: If you are selected for this position with SPECTRAFORCE, your offer is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of several requirements, including but not limited to, a criminal background check. We consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with all local ordinances and state laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA). The background check assessment will consider whether a criminal history could reasonably have a direct, adverse impact on the job-related safety, security, trust, regulatory compliance, or suitability for this role. Such findings may result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer.

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.