Research Associate - Molecular Biology

Company Overview

GC Therapeutics is the first genome-wide cell landscape exploration company using an integrated synthetic biology and AI-driven platform for cell programming. Its patent-pending and proprietary pluripotent stem cell di?erentiation technology platform TFome was developed in Professor George Churchs lab, a pioneer in synthetic biology, and allows for the development of unique cell therapies with significantly streamlined manufacturing, improved cell quality, e?ciency and speed. GC Therapeutics is based in Cambridge, MA. For additional information, please visit www.gc-tx.com.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a talented and detail-oriented individual to join our HTS-Discovery team as a research associate. Under the supervision of senior scientists, scientists, this candidate will be responsible for the planning and execution of experiments involving Synthetic Plasmids Validation, detection of copy number variations (CNVs) and high-throughput library screens. This role will involve bringing a new class of cellular therapies to patients using GCTxs Human TFome platform, a synthetic biology- driven technology to differentiate human stem cells. The candidate should be coachable, determined, well- organized, responsible, and able to collaborate with other team members.

Duties And Responsibilities

General Laboratory Roles:

• Participate in the design and planning of experiments in collaboration with supervisor and team members.
• Make observations, analyze results, and maintain a detailed laboratory journal.
• Summarize results and create presentations for internal group meetings.
• Work with other members of the research team and within GCTx to accomplish company goals.
• Follow all safe laboratory practices and company policies.
  
  

Experimental Techniques

Molecular Biology:

• Utilize techniques such as PCR, molecular cloning, and plasmid isolation.
• Design Primers/probe for specific amplification and detection of target sequences.
• Characterize gene expression of target cell types using qPCR, ddPCR.
• Conduct plasmid quality control to ensure plasmid integrity, purity, and concentration and troubleshoot.
• Execute miniprep and midiprep procedures to purify plasmid DNA from bacterial cultures, following GCTxs protocols.
• Perform plasmid storage and stability testing, monitoring conditions and shelf-life.
• Detect and quantify Plasmids CNVs in stem cells to assess differentiation and validate stem cell models and troubleshoot.
• Verify the presence and integrity of synthetic plasmids used in differentiation assays.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis software.
  
  

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Experience with plasmid and primer design, quality control, storage, and stability testing procedures.
• B.Sc. degree in biology, cell biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, or related discipline.
• 2+ year track record of lab experience. Preferred prior industry experience.
• Proven experience in molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Strong project management and organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Effective communication with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment approximately 75% of the time including occasional weekend hours.
  
  

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Practical familiarity with stem cell differentiation and plasmid library protocols.
• Ability to conduct high-quality presentations at internal meetings.
• Authorship of scientific reports and manuscripts.
• Knowledge of primer/probe and plasmid design software.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Workplace: GC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and existing employees without regard to ancestry, national origin, place of birth, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military or otherwise to the full extent of all federal, state and local laws. GC Therapeutics equal employment opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of recruiting, hiring, placement, training, compensation, transfer, leave of absence, employment, promotion, layoff and termination of employment.