Research Assistant
$45,760–$83,200 year
On-siteCambridge, Massachusetts, United States or Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Job Summary
Prepare and formulate lipid nanoparticles and related non-viral delivery systems for mRNA and siRNA using established and evolving protocols. Support formulation screens by varying lipid composition, component ratios, buffers, mixing conditions, and other process parameters. Perform formulation characterization and quality control measurements including particle size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency, RNA concentration, pH, and fluorescence-based assays. Prepare high-quality formulations and samples for in vitro and in vivo studies, including dose calculations, labeling, quality control, and sample tracking. Maintain basic cell culture responsibilities and support transfection, expression, and knockdown assays as required. Handle precision liquid-handling tasks with accuracy and care, including multichannel pipetting, reagent pooling, and serial dilutions. Keep meticulous laboratory records and documentation, troubleshoot experiments thoughtfully, and repeat work carefully when results do not meet expectations. Work onsite five days per week in Cambridge, MA.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field
- At least 1+ years of meaningful hands-on experience in a wet laboratory setting (academic or industry)
- Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and strong commitment to accurate, thorough record-keeping
- Proficiency with basic laboratory techniques (e.g., buffer preparation, serial dilution, accurate pipetting, and nucleic acid handling)
- A fast learner who is excited to develop unfamiliar wet-lab skills and become progressively more independent
- Persistence when experiments fail, with the ability to stay calm, investigate possible causes, and improve the next attempt
- A proactive, team-first attitude with strong ownership, clear communication, and consistent follow-through
- Ability to work onsite five days per week at our Cambridge, MA location
Desired Qualifications
- Exposure to lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoparticle formulation, drug delivery, or microfluidic mixing
- Experience handling RNA, including mRNA, siRNA, or other oligonucleotides
- Experience with DLS, plate readers, UV spectroscopy, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, pH, osmolality, or endotoxin testing
- Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, transfection, or cell-based assays
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy or plate reader operation
- Exposure to nucleic acid-based assays (e.g., hybridization, ligation, or amplification workflows)
- Basic cell culture skills (e.g., mammalian cell passaging, sterile technique)
- Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., running gels, making buffers, using DNA/RNA extraction kits)
- Basic coding or data analysis skills (e.g., Python, R, or Excel for data organization)
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling or high-throughput screening platforms
- Experience preparing formulations or samples for animal studies
- Mouse intravenous injection, perfusion, or tissue collection experience
- Strong interest in RNA medicines, drug delivery, and central nervous system therapeutics
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