Research Associate- Protein Biochemistry

Duties and responsibilities:

• Express recombinant proteins using various systems (e.g., bacterial, mammalian, insect).
• Purify proteins using chromatographic techniques (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion).
• Perform biochemical and biophysical assays to assess purified proteins for quality, purity, and activity (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, UV/Vis spectroscopy).
• Analyze experimental data and present findings to the team.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to the design and planning of experiments.
• Communicate effectively with team members and external collaborators.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of hands-on laboratory experience in protein biochemistry required
• Academic or industry experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in protein expression systems (e.g., E. coli, HEK293, Sf9).
• Experience with chromatographic purification techniques and equipment (e.g., ÄKTA systems).
• Familiarity with protein characterization methods (e.g., mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, DSC).
• Familiarity with methods for characterization of protein-protein interaction (e.g. SPR, BLI, ELISA)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning of and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Ability to execute complex experiments with limited guidance.
• Ability to identify issues and troubleshoot solutions.
• Solid data analysis skills. Sound knowledge of MS Excel. Knowledge of GraphPad Prism and SharePoint a plus. Basic knowledge of statistics.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 75% of the day may be spent at a lab bench.
• There are aspects of the position’s duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work.
• May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.