Scientist- Molecular Biology

Job description

**Molecular Biologist**
Boston, MA
$45-55/hr
6-Month Contract

The **Molecular Biologist** will be responsible for developing and implementing molecular biology methodologies that support the discovery and production of biologics. This position focuses on the initial stages of the biologics pipeline, encompassing construct design, cloning, transfection, and early stages of expression.

**Key Responsibilities of the Molecular Biologist:**
– Design and manage complete molecular cloning processes, including in-silico DNA design, codon optimization, gene fragment assembly, and the creation of plasmids for transfection-grade DNA.
– Conduct both transient and stable transfections in various mammalian expression systems (e.g., CHO, HEK293) to facilitate protein and biologic production and contribute to cell line development tasks such as pool generation, single-cell cloning, and cell banking.
– Carry out downstream expression work and initial characterization, including small-scale protein expression, harvest, and transition to purification and analytical teams.
– Analyze expressed constructs and cell lines using standard molecular techniques such as PCR/qPCR, Sanger or NGS sequencing verification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
– Collaborate with cross-functional teams involved in upstream/downstream process development, assay development, and automation engineering.

**Qualifications for the Molecular Biologist:**
– Ph.D., M.S. with a minimum of 3 years, or B.S. with at least 5 years of practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
– Proven hands-on expertise in molecular cloning methods (e.g., Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, restriction cloning, or similar) and the creation of expression vectors.
– Experience with mammalian cell transfection (both transient and stable) for protein or biologic production.
– Familiarity with essential molecular biology assays such as NGS, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and general protein characterization techniques.
– Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple projects and changing priorities.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with meticulous documentation practices.
– Experience with multispecific antibody formats is advantageous.
– Background in antibody design or discovery processes is a plus.
– Knowledge of high-throughput or automated molecular biology protocols, including liquid handling and plate-based cloning/transfection methods, is preferred.
– Exposure to protein purification or downstream process development would be a plus.
– Familiarity with NGS workflows for clone or sequence verification is advantageous.
– Interest or experience in AI/ML-enhanced experimental design or data generation contexts is preferred.