Senior Research Scientist

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Senior Research Scientist

The Senior Research Scientist will directly support Addgene’s mission to improve access to useful research materials and information by contributing to the organization’s strategic priorities. This role will proactively identify opportunities to sustain current offerings through internal process improvements. They will grow Addgene’s catalog by supporting the development of new catalog offerings. By staying informed of emerging technologies and engaging with both external scientists and internal teams, the Senior Research Scientist will collaborate with the Director of Research and Product Innovation to identify areas where Addgene can lead the scientific community by developing new or enhanced biological tools for the basic research community.

Director of Research & Product Innovation

Q2

$97,000-115,000 + our amazing benefits!

This position will work out of our Watertown, Massachusetts Headquarters. Our beautiful office space has free, ample parking with a complimentary shuttle from Harvard Square and is on multiple bus lines, with the cost of public transit covered by Addgene.

The Role:

The Senior Research Scientist will lead and oversee research projects spanning molecular biology, sequencing, and biologics production and quality control. This individual will bring a versatile scientific background that enables the team to adapt and execute across a range of current and emerging research priorities. They will design and analyze experiments, optimize laboratory processes, mentor junior scientists, and ensure high-quality, reproducible results while staying informed of scientific advancements across multiple disciplines.

To Succeed in this Role, You Will:

• Design, implement, and analyze experiments across multiple technical domains, ensuring high standards of quality, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Lead specific research projects to ensure optimal resource utilization, adherence to deadlines and deliverables, high-quality experimentation, and effective communication of results. The projects may include but are not limited to:
  • Apply expertise in molecular biology techniques including cloning, gene editing, plasmid construction, and nucleic acid analysis to support catalog development and internal workflows.
  • Develop, maintain, and characterize mammalian cell lines for both transient and stable expression applications, including selection, banking, and quality assessment.
  • Design and execute experiments using transient and stable mammalian expression systems to produce and validate biological materials.
  • Contribute to sequencing workflows, including Sanger, NGS, or nanopore technologies
  • Execute and optimize downstream purification processes for viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus) and/or protein-based biologics (e.g., antibodies), including chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and analytical characterization.
• Collaborate effectively across teams to align scientific priorities with organizational goals and drive cross-functional projects from initiation through completion.
• Identify relevant funding opportunities and lead the drafting, submission, and management of grant proposals, serving as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on funded research programs as appropriate.
• Act as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for junior scientists, offering guidance and support on experimental design, troubleshooting, and scientific techniques.
• Review and assess current processes and procedures, identifying areas for optimization and implementing improvements to enhance quality, efficiency and effectiveness.

• Actively contribute to team discussions in biweekly meetings, providing updates, addressing challenges, and suggesting process improvements.
• Maintain strict adherence to established protocols and continuously seek opportunities to enhance workflows.
• Provide hands-on training and mentorship to junior scientists, helping them develop expertise in laboratory protocols and procedures.
• Create and continually review team standard operating procedures.
• Identify and troubleshoot experimental issues, develop and test solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest scientific trends and technologies, applying new knowledge to improve laboratory practices

Skills and Competencies

Required

• PhD in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry or related field
• 6+ years of experience in laboratory research and scientific experimentation
• Hands-on proficiency in molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion, etc.)
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including transient transfection and stable cell line generation
• Working knowledge of sequencing technologies and their application to QC and validation
• Experience with purification of viral vectors and/or recombinant protein biologics, including chromatography platforms and analytical methods
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills
• Experience writing or contributing to SOPs, technical reports, or regulatory documentation
• Inquisitive, enthusiastic problem-solver with a collaborative mindset
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Comfort serving as PI or co-PI on funded research

Preferred

• Experience across multiple expression and production platforms (viral vectors and protein biologics)
• Experience drafting and submitting grant proposals and a track record of securing external funding
• Familiar with basic statistics and data analysis software
• Familiarity with Design of Experiment approaches
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Benefits

At Addgene, we prioritize our people with comprehensive benefits that support both your work and your life.

Full-time employees receive:

• 85% company-paid healthcare premiums including dental (extending to family members) and 100% company-paid deductible
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• 22 days of PTO on top of our winter break closure and company holidays. ‌
• A 403(b) retirement account with a company match of 4% after 2 years of employment. ‌
• Annual professional development stipend
• Annual lifestyle stipend
• Fully paid public transportation for employees who work onsite four or more days per week. ‌
• Onsite yoga classes & wellness reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Annual financial planning one-on-ones with our plan administrator

The Organization:

Addgene is a self-sustaining, thriving nonprofit life sciences organization that was created to help scientists share DNA-based research materials called plasmids. ‌Our mission is to accelerate research and discovery by improving access to useful research materials and information . Since its founding in 2004, Addgene has grown and innovated in order to assist the research community by archiving and sharing useful DNA-based research materials and resources (such as plasmids, viral vectors, and recombinant antibodies) with scientists worldwide. Broad availability of these unique research materials promotes the advancement of research in a wide variety of disciplines, including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, while increasing collaboration within the scientific community. Learn more here from one of our founders, Melina Fan.

As an “Addgenie”, you will work collaboratively with internal teams to help fulfill this mission, including scientists, software engineers and product developers, renowned customer support teams, scientific content creators, and business development professionals. Together, Addgenies create and enhance opportunities for research scientists to deposit their materials, find products and resources easily on our website, and receive unparalleled support in receiving and expertly using our materials in their own experiments.

Life at Addgene:

Addgene is a truly special place to work. We are an inclusive and welcoming group of people from many backgrounds and perspectives. We believe in flexibility, actively supporting professional development, and a strong work/life balance. We value sharing ideas and feedback with each other and the company. Learn more about Life at Addgene

We also believe it's important to make time for fun, whether it's eating popcorn at our outdoor movie night, sharing cute photos in the #pets slack channel, or sampling whiskeys at our end-of-year social hour. Bookworms, athletes, gamers, parents, foodies, and more will find community in Addgene's events and Slack channels.

Addgene works with a global scientific community in which the best innovations and discoveries come from diverse teams. We continuously learn from and celebrate a variety of perspectives and seek to create an environment where all people can feel heard, respected, and valued.

Addgene is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, active military or veteran status, age, handicap, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or Local law.