Research Associate, Strain Engineering
$60,000–$75,000 year
On-siteCambridge, Massachusetts, United States or Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Job Summary
Design and construct recombinant DNA plasmids for peptide and protein expression using PCR, Golden Gate assembly, and Gibson assembly. Generate engineered strains in *E. coli* and *Komagataella phaffii*, perform transformation, and verify clones via colony PCR and sequencing. Conduct small-scale expression studies, analyze results using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, or HPLC, and screen candidates to identify leads. Purify recombinant proteins and peptides via chromatography while optimizing workflows for yield and reproducibility. Maintain accurate experimental records, ELNs, and laboratory safety protocols. Collaborate with scientists across strain engineering, fermentation, analytics, and bioassay teams to support iterative build–test–learn cycles.
Required Qualifications
- M.S. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
- 1–2 years of laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbial engineering, or recombinant protein expression
- Hands-on experience with E. coli cloning
- Experience with Golden Gate Assembly
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris)
- Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification
- Familiarity with affinity, ion exchange, SEC, or reverse-phase chromatography
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Experience with recombinant peptide production
- Familiarity with synthetic biology workflows
- Experience with ELNs
- Basic understanding of microbial fermentation
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