Research Scientist (Fixed term)

Active Site • Cambridge, MA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Active Site is hiring wet-lab scientists for a fixed-term research project investigating how frontier AI models affect biological capabilities in the laboratory. The role is based on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is expected to last three to six weeks in November–December 2026, with some date flexibility. The work is scheduled for eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, at $65 per hour. The position has a defined end date and will not convert to full-time employment.

The scientist will work hands-on with a frontier AI-for-science model to independently design and execute experiments in a BSL-2 laboratory. The work will generate evidence about AI-assisted biology and inform subsequent research programs, industry practice, and emerging governance. Scientists will own their experimental strategies and make day-to-day decisions independently, with or without AI, rather than relying on in-person technical guidance. The lab and project resources will be available, and the scientist will work alongside other scientists.

Active Site is a research nonprofit studying how frontier AI changes what people can accomplish in physical biology laboratories through real-world experiments. Its research has included a randomized controlled trial examining AI assistance in cell and molecular biology. The lab is accessible from the Red Line; parking is not provided. The office observes Veterans Day (November 11) and Thanksgiving Break (November 26–27) during the project term, and holidays during the term are unpaid. Remote work, alternative daily schedules, and more than five days of pre-planned absence are not accommodated; make-up days may be arranged for illness.

The hiring process consists of applying via Ashby, a paid on-site assessment, and an offer. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is unavailable. Applicants with independent work authorization, including CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, are welcome. Active Site Research, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• At least two years of full-time wet-lab research experience in a biological sciences setting, across a range of molecular biology and cell biology techniques.
• Multi-year, hands-on experience working independently in a biological sciences laboratory.
• A bachelor's or master's degree in a STEM discipline; examples include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, electrical engineering, and physics. Currently enrolled or graduated PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, and above are also welcome to apply.
• Ability to work independently at the bench and quickly start new laboratory workflows by reading protocols, trying procedures, and iterating.
• Ability to assess online protocols, carry out an initial procedure skillfully, and reason about next steps when results do not work as expected.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise currently authorized to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Oxford Nanopore library preparation and wet-lab sequencing.
• Experience designing and ordering DNA fragments.
• Experience with PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with site-directed mutagenesis.
• Experience with molecular cloning techniques.
• Experience with plasmid preparation.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection.
• Experience with DNA or RNA extraction.
• Experience with RT-qPCR.
• Experience with ELISA or another binding assay.
• Experience working with bacteriophage systems.
• Experience in a virology-related field, such as pseudovirus neutralization assays with SARS-CoV-2 variants and antibodies, preparing viral vectors such as AAV or lentivirus, working with modified virus systems such as minigenomes or virus-like particles, or traditional live-virus growth or characterization assays.
• Enjoyment of troubleshooting experiments, learning quickly, and working independently.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments in the BSL-2 laboratory, including with a frontier AI-for-science model.
• Design, assemble, and modify recombinant DNA.
• Rescue and characterize benign viruses, including through titration, growth curves, and neutralization.
• Work with frontier AI to design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Make day-to-day experimental decisions and independently own an experimental strategy.
• Learn new workflows from protocols, carry out initial procedures, and troubleshoot and iterate as needed.
• Generate real-world evidence about AI-assisted biology to inform subsequent programs, industry practice, and emerging governance.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level