Research Associate, Strain Engineering
About The Position
The Invaio Research & Development team in Cambridge, MA is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support the design, construction, and evaluation of engineered microbial strains for recombinant peptide and protein production. This is a hands-on laboratory position focused on molecular cloning, strain engineering, expression screening, and purification of recombinant proteins using microbial hosts. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists across strain engineering, fermentation, analytics, and bioassay teams to advance peptide and protein production programs. This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with 1–2 years of laboratory experience.
Requirements
- 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.
- Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Familiarity with affinity, ion exchange, SEC, or reverse-phase chromatography.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) is strongly preferred.
- Experience with recombinant peptide production.
- Familiarity with synthetic biology workflows.
- Experience with ELNs.
- Basic understanding of microbial fermentation.
Responsibilities
- Design and construct recombinant DNA plasmids for peptide and protein expression.
- Perform PCR, Golden Gate assembly, Gibson assembly, restriction cloning, and plasmid verification.
- Generate engineered strains in E. coli and Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris).
- Perform transformation, clone screening, colony PCR, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
- Support iterative build–test–learn cycles.
- Conduct small-scale expression studies.
- Analyze expression using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, HPLC, or related methods.
- Screen engineered strains and identify lead candidates.
- Maintain accurate experimental records.
- Purify recombinant proteins and peptides using chromatography.
- Prepare samples for analytical characterization.
- Optimize purification workflows for yield and reproducibility.
- Maintain ELNs and laboratory records.
- Prepare reagents, media, and competent cells.
- Collaborate with fermentation, analytical, and research teams.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures.
- Troubleshoot experiments and improve workflows.
- Support SOP and protocol development.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
