Research Associate - Automation & High Throughput Screening
About The Position
Merge Labs is a frontier research lab working to bridge biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency, and experience. The company develops new approaches to brain-computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are intended to be safe and accessible. The HTS team builds shared infrastructure to increase the scale and precision of Merge experiments. Its work includes selecting instruments, translating manual assays into standardized automated workflows, and transferring workflows to the teams that use them. The team is early-stage and hands-on, spanning bench science, instrument integration, and process design. The Research Associate will share ownership of automated workflows by developing and executing bench assays, operating and improving methods on a liquid-handling platform, training users, troubleshooting equipment, and addressing workflow bottlenecks. The role suits someone meticulous at the bench, familiar with automation, and interested in building new processes.
Requirements
- BS, BA, or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Strong hands-on experience in assay development and high-throughput screening, including designing, optimizing, and validating plate-based assays and executing them at scale.
- Depth in one or more of the following areas: AAV production and analytics, including mammalian cell transfection, viral purification, and qPCR-based titering; cell biology, including cell culture, transfection or transduction, and plate-based assessment of cell viability or function; or molecular biology, including PCR/qPCR assay development, nucleic-acid preparation and quantification, or sequencing library preparation.
- Experience with laboratory automation and a systematic approach to troubleshooting and improving experimental workflows.
- Strong written documentation and communication skills.
- Collaborative mindset for working across scientific and engineering disciplines.
Nice To Haves
- Experience culturing and handling primary or iPSC-derived neurons, including plate-based assays of neuronal viability or function.
- Hands-on experience with Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons, or other liquid handlers.
- Familiarity with Python, R, or another scripting or data-analysis language.
- Experience with LIMS, ELNs, sample-tracking systems, or automated data pipelines.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize plate-based assays across molecular biology and cell biology, emphasizing reproducibility and scalability.
- Translate validated assays into automated workflows.
- Partner with program teams to establish SOPs, train users, and transfer methods for routine execution.
- Identify sources of experimental variability and work with scientists to improve assay performance and robustness.
- Prepare samples, reagents, and cell cultures, and execute experiments accurately and consistently.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
- Collect, organize, and perform initial quality control on experimental data.
- Maintain detailed records, sample metadata, and inventory in digital laboratory systems.
- Help maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
