Research Associate I
About The Position
SecureBio is seeking a Research Associate I to support their biosurveillance network by maintaining the sequencing pipeline. This role involves significant hands-on sample processing, including receiving, concentrating, extracting, and quantifying wastewater and nasal swab samples. Additionally, the position will support molecular processing and library preparation, particularly on weekend days. The Research Associate will be responsible for rigorous documentation in an electronic laboratory notebook, adhering to SOPs, maintaining lab spaces and equipment, managing inventory, and ensuring accurate metadata and sample tracking. The role also involves troubleshooting workflow issues and contributing to the lab's transition towards automation. This is an on-site position in Cambridge, MA, reporting to the Lab Operations Manager.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field.
- 2+ years of hands-on wet-lab experience (academic experience counts).
- Hands-on experience with sample processing.
- Hands-on experience with PCR.
- Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction and quantification.
- Experience with data entry in an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory protocols carefully.
- Demonstrated ability to capture rigorous, organised notes.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Willingness to take on operational and lab upkeep tasks.
- Proactive mindset: comfort speaking up, flagging issues, and suggesting improvements to workflows.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
- Ability to take direction well.
- Ability to communicate clearly across a small team.
Nice To Haves
- Some experience or familiarity working with RNA.
- Exposure to short- and/or long-read sequencing workflows, including NGS sample processing and library preparation.
- Experience working with viruses.
- Familiarity with inventory, ordering, or sample tracking systems.
- Experience with environmental or complex samples such as wastewater or nasal swabs.
- Exposure to liquid handling automation or high-throughput lab environments.
- General awareness of metagenomic or pathogen surveillance applications.
Responsibilities
- Receive wastewater and nasal swab samples.
- Perform sample concentration, extraction, and quantification.
- Support molecular processing and library preparation.
- Document work rigorously in an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) carefully.
- Flag issues or suggest improvements to workflows.
- Maintain clean, ready lab spaces and equipment.
- Support upkeep, calibration, and service requests for lab equipment.
- Uphold safety and compliance standards.
- Maintain reagent and consumable inventory, including stock monitoring, reorders, and deliveries.
- Coordinate with vendors for supplies.
- Maintain accurate metadata and sample tracking.
- Support clean, standardized handoffs to the next stage in the pipeline.
- Troubleshoot workflow issues and escalate to senior staff when appropriate.
- Support corrective actions for workflow issues.
- Assist with the transition to lab automation.
Benefits
- Compensation: $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
