Research Associate
Boston, MA
Characterization & Validation /
Onsite /
On-site
The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI)is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health. Founded in 2017 and located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Institute’s three-pronged strategy is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research and develop educational programs for the protein science and biological research communities.
With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.
Join our dynamic Antibody Characterization and Validation Team as a motivated Research Associate. You'll be pivotal in developing and performing antibody quality control (QC) assays, with a focus on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) based protein analysis. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including antigen and antibody production, to advance novel antibody research and development.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Prepare samples for routine QC of antibodies using LC-MS, including intact mass measurement.
2. Conduct sample preparation for developing LC-MS assays, such as immune precipitation, SDS-PAGE, protein digestion, and peptide desalting.
3. Assist in method development and optimization for LC-MS assays.
4. Maintain and troubleshoot LC-MS instruments to ensure optimal performance.
5. Culture and maintain mammalian cells.
6. Express, isolate, and purify proteins from mammalian cells for LC-MS assays.
7. Troubleshoot technical issues and optimize processes.
8. Support automation efforts to enhance QC assay throughput.
9. Maintain stock of common lab reagents for LC-MS assays.
10. Document experimental protocols, raw data, and reports in an electronic laboratory notebook.
11. Present experimental results clearly and effectively.
12. Collaborate across diverse interdisciplinary teams.
Qualifications:
· B.S. or M.S. in analytical chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related field with 0-3 years’ experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or academic settings.
· Basic analytical chemistry and biology lab skills required.
· Hands-on experience with HPLC, MS, and cell culture preferred.
· Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills.
· Detail-oriented with the ability to follow SOPs and execute bench experiments successfully.
· Programming skills (R, Python) for data analysis and visualization are a plus.
· Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
· Team-oriented spirit with a strong commitment to impactful science.
If you're enthusiastic about contributing to groundbreaking antibody research and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!
IPI provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package to support physical, mental and financial health. Highlights of benefits include:
· 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans
· Flexible spending accounts and a healthcare reimbursement account
· 401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested
· Generous PTO package
· Commuter and parking reimbursement
· Career development opportunities
IPI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization and an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
