Senior Research Associate

Senior Research Associate

The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI) is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health. Founded in 2017 by Harvard Medical School professors Tim Springer and Andrew Kruse, we are located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area.

The Institute’s three-pronged approach is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research, and develop educational programs for the protein science and broad biological research communities. With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and across Greater Boston, and beyond.

Job Overview

This is a senior-level scientific research position for an enthusiastic individual interested in high-throughput antibody discovery, production, and characterization, as well as concepts in bioengineering, biochemistry, and robotic automation.

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting and helping advance the antibody discovery pipeline at IPI through day-to-day activities such as antibody discovery using display platforms, method development, data analysis, result reporting, coordination with multiple IPI teams and external stakeholders, and pipeline management within a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment.

The candidate must be adaptable and willing to learn new techniques to support daily IPI laboratory operations. The ideal candidate is engaged, well organized, and highly detail oriented.

This position provides ample training and scientific development opportunities for individuals interested in a career in biotechnology. It is an exciting opportunity to learn industry-leading antibody discovery platform technologies in a semi-academic environment. IPI offers a fast-paced, highly knowledgeable, and collaborative research setting.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct high-throughput Antibody discovery using display technologies


• Operate Flow cytometers


• Operate laboratory automation equipment.


• Perform next-generation sequencing (NGS)


• Apply molecular biology skills such as DNA prep, PCR, cloning


• Provide support for ongoing projects within the team.


• Assist in conducting experiments and working on research problems.


• Coordinate time management, scheduling, product delivery and data sharing across Antibody Platform teams. 


• Maintain detailed records of experimental protocols and data in an electronic laboratory notebook in accordance with the Institute’s policy.


• Present data clearly in a weekly group meeting.


• Troubleshoot routine technical problems.

Qualifications

• B.S. (with 3 years+) or MS (with 1 years+) in biological or life sciences field required


• Experience in protein biochemistry and molecular biology


• Experience with yeast and mammalian cell culture


• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.


• Experience with Flow cytometry.


• Basic understanding of fundamental programming (Python) helpful, but not required


• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills and highly attentive to details


• Strong verbal and written communications skills required


• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate within a team-based environment is required


• Enthusiastic team member with strong commitment to IPI’s mission and a desire to conduct impactful science

Compensation and Benefits

IPI provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package to support physical, mental and financial health. Highlights of benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans


• Flexible spending accounts and healthcare reimbursement account


• 401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested


• Generous PTO package


• Commuter and parking reimbursement


• Career development opportunities

IPI will not offer sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time. Relocation assistance is not available.

Interested applicants should apply directly by sending resumes and cover letters to: [email protected].

IPI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization and an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.