At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lab and office operations while analysing experimental results in a cutting-edge research environment.
- Company: Active Site, a nonprofit focused on AI and biosecurity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive healthcare, paid parental leave, and professional development budget.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team tackling the future of AI and biology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or 2 years relevant experience; lab skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Key details:
- Location: Cambridge & Somerville, MA (Kendall and Inner Belt)
- Location Type: On-site
- Employment: Full-time, Temporary 6-month Term
- Start Date: As Soon As Possible
About Active Site:
Active Site is an independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to building a world where safeguards prevent frontier technology from enabling engineered pandemics. AI models are rapidly becoming more capable in biology, amplifying the risk of accidental or intentional misuse. We conduct uplift studies, observing participants in real-world wet labs to measure how AI augments human performance in biological experimentation. We use our findings to advance the science of risk assessment and implement concrete mitigations that safeguard the future of AIxBio.
The Role:
We are seeking an Operations Associate with a strong interest in the intersection of AI and biology. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting lab and office operations and contribute directly to analysis of experimental results for our in-person uplift studies. You will support:
- Trial operations: Assist with trial operations, such as proctoring, participant communication, scheduling, and device management.
- Lab operations: Aliquot reagents, restock inventory, troubleshoot equipment, manage hazardous and biological waste disposal, and maintain an organized lab environment.
- Experimental analysis: Evaluate study samples by running cell viability assays, fluorescence, and colorimetric assays. Prepare samples for sequencing and assist the wet lab team where needed.
- Office operations and facilities: Maintain one of our offices. Own package receiving, pantry restocks, and general office organization.
- IT and documentation: Setup devices for participant use, coordinate with external vendors, and own mobile device management (MDM). Document recurring workflows and independently flag risks before they arise.
Competencies and qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or 2 years work experience in a similar role.
- Laboratory experience (including academic research or coursework labs).
- Independent and proactive problem solver.
- Comfortable learning and using workplace tools like Slack, Asana, and Notion.
Preferred:
- BA in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or equivalent field.
- Experience with human research or other participant/customer-facing operations (e.g., recruiting/scheduling participants, running study sessions in different settings).
- Enthusiasm about or experience in biosecurity, with the desire to learn fast and orient quickly in a new context.
Great candidates typically embody our core values:
- Truth-seeking: We chase the truth in order to keep us on the path to our mission.
- Drive: We take initiative and ownership over all our actions in dedication to our mission.
- Care: We ultimately do what we do because we care about each other and the world.
If this role sounds exciting and you meet most of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you.
Salary and benefits:
This is a full-time, in-person role, based in one of our offices in Cambridge, MA or Somerville, MA. The starting salary range is $65,000 per year, depending on prior experience. We offer:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage:
- Medical: 100% Employer-Paid Premiums via UnitedHealthCare.
- Dental & Vision: 75% Employer-Paid Premiums via BlueCross BlueShield and Guardian.
- 2 weeks of PTO over 6-months
- 12 weeks of fully-paid parental leave
- Professional development budget
- Daily delivered lunches
Work Authorization:
This position is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals currently authorized to work in the U.S. Visa Sponsorship: We welcome candidates on F-1 OPT status.
Equal Opportunity and Accommodations:
Active Site Research, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or gender expression, ancestry, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Active Site Research, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Active Site Research, Inc. is an E-Verify employer. Active Site Research, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of this job, please let us know.
Lab Operations Associate in Cambridge employer: activesite
Active Site Research, Inc. is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, ideal for those looking to kickstart their careers in cell and molecular biology. With access to cutting-edge tools and a supportive environment, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and contribute meaningfully to innovative research projects in the vibrant city of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Operations Associate in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like activesite. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like activesite!
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Operations Associate in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show activesite that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at activesite.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that activesite does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at activesite
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at activesite. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into activesite's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at activesite. This shows your passion for the industry!
