Scientist II

Target PR Range: 37-47/hr
*Depending on experience

The Immunology R&D organization is hiring for its early discovery team in Cambridge, MA. We are seeking a highly motivated contractor with a passion for learning and excellent attention to detail to join the Functional Immunology and Innovative Technologies team. This scientist will specifically support target identification and validation efforts through various profiling methods and functional experiments in collaboration with different teams within immunology discovery. Our team is seeking a candidate with existing academic or industry experience in molecular biology, preferably NGS technologies, and who is willing to learn and develop new techniques and learn deep analysis using different approaches. Candidates will be expected to have experience with RNAseq library preparation workflows and experience with ligand-based assays like ELISAs, as well as routine lab techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid QC, and PBMC isolation and handing.
Key Responsibilities:
• Execute RNAseq library preparations and QC generated libraries using Tapestation/Qubit instruments.
• Prepare libraries for sequencing and operate Illumina sequencers understanding output and troubleshooting where necessary.
• Perform multiplexed secreted factor measurements using Luminex.
• Perform functional experiments with primary human immune cells including stimulation and cell culture.
• Accurately document project and sample information, protocols, and experimental details through the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
• Conduct experiments, troubleshoot, and optimize protocols independently and in collaboration with colleagues to deliver high-quality data in a timely fashion.
• Interpret findings and communicate effectively to present scientific data, concepts, and recommendations to various internal audiences.
• Interface with computational biologists and data scientists to generate and interpret RNAseq datasets.
• Work in matrixed environment and support activities for different groups across the organization, which may include alignment meetings.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience.
• Strong background in basic molecular biology and/or genomics with proficiency in molecular biology lab techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and nucleic acid QC, as well as familiarity with primary human cell handling and culture.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience running end-to-end bulk RNAseq libraries and sequencing.
• Experience with complex cell cultures and stimulations is preferred.
• Familiarity with 10X Genomics platforms, particularly scRNAseq and/or scATACseq, is preferred.
• Background in R is a plus but not required.
• Background in immunology is a plus but not required.

Key Competencies:
• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionality with partners outside of the team to enable high performance.
• Learns fast, grasps the “essence”, and can change course quickly where indicated.
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Embraces the ideas of others and nurtures innovation to make possibilities real.