At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and evaluate engineered microbial strains for protein production in a hands-on lab role.
- Company: Join Invaio, a pioneering research team in Cambridge, MA.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and scientific rigor.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biotechnology and work with cutting-edge molecular techniques.
- Qualifications: M.S. in relevant field and 1-2 years of lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the role
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.
What you'll do
- Strain Engineering & Molecular Biology
- 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.
- Expression & Screening
- 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.
- Protein & Peptide Purification
- Purify recombinant proteins and peptides using chromatography.
- Prepare samples for analytical characterization.
- Optimize purification workflows for yield and reproducibility.
- Laboratory Operations & Collaboration
- Maintain ELNs and laboratory records.
- Prepare reagents, media, and competent cells.
- Collaborate with fermentation, analytical, and research teams.
- Scientific Rigor
- Follow laboratory safety procedures.
- Troubleshoot experiments and improve workflows.
- Support SOP and protocol development.
- Qualificatio n s
- Required
- 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 Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) is strongly preferred.
- Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Familiarity with affinity, ion exchange, SEC, or reverse-phase chromatography.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Preferred
- Experience with recombinant peptide production.
- Familiarity with synthetic biology workflows.
- Experience with ELNs.
- Basic understanding of microbial fermentation.
- Recruitment Agency Policy
Invaio does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiting firms.
Resumes submitted to any employee of Invaio without a valid, fully executed search agreement for the specific position will be considered unsolicited.
By submitting an unsolicited resume, the submitting agency acknowledges that Invaio reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate without any financial obligation, fee, or payment to the agency.
Such submissions become the property of Invaio and may be retained and used for current or future employment opportunities.
What's next
Invaio is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a proactive program of diversity development.
Invaio will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or veteran status.
The estimated salary range for this position is $60,000 to $75,000 per year.
At Invaio, we are committed to transparency and accuracy in our hiring practices.
Our salary offers are aligned with Invaio’s compensation philosophy and take into account various factors, including education, training, experience, external market conditions, the criticality of the role, and internal equity.
The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local wage requirements for the job location.
Research Associate, Strain Engineering in Cambridge employer: Global Career
Invaio is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, MA, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among early-career scientists. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Invaio provides hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and strain engineering, alongside opportunities for professional development within a diverse and inclusive culture. The company values transparency in its hiring practices and offers competitive salaries, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the biotechnology field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate, Strain Engineering in Cambridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate, Strain Engineering 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 Global Career 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 Global Career.
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 Global Career 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Global Career
✨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 Global Career. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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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.
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