R&D Scientist

Position: R&D Scientist I
Summary

Our client has engaged GForce Life Sciences to provide a R&D Scientist I to support exploratory discovery research within the Neurology Research Unit (ALS Research Group), focused on target identification and target validation in ALS.

R&D Scientist I

12-Month Contract

Onsite in Cambridge, MA

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS, including genomic and proteomic alterations in ALS-relevant pathways.
• Perform molecular biology assays including qPCR, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and gel electrophoresis to assess gene expression.
• Conduct western blot analyses to assess protein expression.
• Support proteomic studies including immunoprecipitation (IP) and protein quantification using HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD assay platforms.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture, including plasmid transfection and viral transduction in human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
• Support target validation studies using immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis (including co-localization, morphological, and phenotypic assessments).
• Generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data with rigorous documentation of methods/results and preliminary data analysis.
• Contribute to data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations.
• Assist with assay development, optimization, and validation in accordance with laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity standards.

Mandatory Requirements

• MS or PhD-level training in a relevant discipline.
• Strong molecular biology background with hands‑on experience in genomics- and proteomics-based assays, including qPCR, ddPCR, and western blotting.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including experience with iPSC-derived neurons and/or established cell lines (including assay development/optimization).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team, with strong analytical/problem-solving skills and rigorous experimental documentation.