Associate Scientist, Cellular/Molecular Biochemistry II

Role Summary

An Associate Scientist in the Discovery Rheumatology group at Cambridge, MA, responsible for developing and executing a broad range of in vitro cell-based and molecular experiments, including cell culture, plate-based assays, and cellular/molecular profiling using real-time imaging and highly sensitive multiplex protein characterization. You will analyze, interpret, and present high-quality, reproducible data to support multiple programs across the rheumatology portfolio. This is a lab-based, on-site role requiring collaboration in a matrixed team.

Responsibilities

• Optimize & support cell-based functional studies: work within the target identification & validation team to develop and execute on multiple functional studies with primary human cells using real-time cell imaging and flow cytometric profiling to track cell growth, survival and migration. Broaden skills to enable effective planning and execution of high throughput screens and gain experience with the latest technologies in cell-based profiling.
• Perform analytical assays & support troubleshooting: conduct analytical assays to evaluate both RNA and protein composition from in vitro cell cultures and patient-derived biospecimens by qPCR and ELISA-type technologies, respectively. Generate high-quality data to support selection of disease relevant cell culture and stimulation conditions to drive target candidate nominations. Develop the skills to independently troubleshoot assays and instruments to ensure consistent quality data output.
• Analyze & communicate results: analyze study results, organize and document the results in an electronic lab notebook (ELN), and effectively communicate updates, troubleshooting, and results to the team. Interpret results and draw conclusions from multistage experiments with support from study owners and project leads. Communicate aberrant data and lab issues to management to gain input and alignment on solution.
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with highly matrixed team members to support pipeline programs and participate in project teams as a study owner

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 3 or more years’ experience or Master’s Degree (no additional experience)
• Degree in cell biology, immunology, pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent
• Strong technical background encompassing sterile tissue culture techniques, cell-based assays and cellular/molecular characterization methods.
• Hands-on experience with running and troubleshooting analytical techniques used for RNA and protein characterization such as qPCR, Western and ELISA as well as cell profiling techniques including flow cytometry and microscopy.
• Ability to work in cross-matrixed team supporting multiple projects and participate in project-focused teams.
• Technical ability to execute and troubleshoot experiments through rational and critical thinking.
• Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
• Eagerness to learn and apply new scientific techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong collaborative skills for working effectively within the team.
• Prior experience developing primary cell-based assays and executing high-throughput screening workflows is highly preferred.