Research Scientist​/Engr

Field of Research

Protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biochemical tool development with emphasis on optogenetically controlled RNA/DNA polymerases, programmable nucleic‑acid writing, and in vitro assay systems for polymerase activity, specificity, and error control.

To build and execute the experimental pipeline for engineering and characterizing light‑responsive RNA polymerase systems. The position will support molecular cloning, protein production, and cell‑free functional assays needed to generate sponsor‑facing milestones and publications on optogenetic polymerase control, sequence‑programmed RNA synthesis, and related protein‑sensor technologies.

• Molecular cloning and construct generation – 25%:
  Design and build plasmids for engineered T7 polymerases, optogenetic domains, protein binders, reporters, and assay controls using PCR, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, mutagenesis, and sequence verification.
• Protein expression, purification, and QC – 20%:
  Express and purify polymerases, binders, and optogenetic protein components (primarily from bacteria) using affinity chromatography/FPLC and standard QC methods such as SDS‑PAGE, concentration assessment, and storage optimization.
• In vitro functional assay development and execution – 25%:
  Develop and run cell‑free transcription and polymerase assays, including time‑course transcription assays, one‑ or few‑base incorporation assays, and assays using modified nucleotides such as fluorescently labeled or biotinylated bases.
• Optogenetic characterization and readout integration – 15%:
  Perform light‑control experiments, fluorescence/plate‑reader assays, and other optical measurements needed to evaluate gating behavior, kinetics, and retained function of engineered constructs.
• Sequencing sample preparation and data/QC handoff – 10%:
  Prepare samples for sequencing‑based readouts, organize construct/sample metadata, and maintain clean experimental records that support downstream analysis and sponsor reporting.
• Project support, documentation, and collaboration – 5%:
  Maintain SOPs, reagent inventories, and experimental documentation; prepare figures/tables for meetings and reports; and coordinate day‑to‑day bench workflows with the PI, trainees, and collaborating groups.

This position is eligible for H‑1B sponsorship.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, chem biol, or related field and one year of relevant experience laboratory research.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

• Molecular cloning: PCR, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
• Protein production: bacterial expression, affinity purification, chromatography/FPLC workflows, and protein QC.
• Biochemical assays: experience with enzyme assays, transcription assays, fluorescence‑based readouts, or related in vitro functional measurements.

• Experience with cell‑free transcription or nucleic‑acid enzyme assays.
• Experience using modified nucleotides (e.g., fluorescent, biotinylated, or otherwise chemically functionalized substrates).
• Experience with optogenetic proteins, light‑controlled assays, or photochemistry/fluorescence instrumentation.
• Sequencing library preparation or sample‑prep familiarity for assay readouts.
• Experience with protein binders, display/selections, or protein‑sensor engineering.
• Basic computational comfort for organizing data, plotting results, and working with standard lab analysis tools.
• Data quality and documentation: careful experimental record‑keeping, sample tracking, and SOP development.
• Communication and teamwork: ability to summarize results clearly and work closely with the PI and collaborators.
• Research assistantships/internships acceptable, strong hands‑on.

• Pay Range Minimum: $56,448.00 annual
• Pay Range Maximum: $58,008.00 annual
• Other Compensation:
  
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• Shift: First Shift (United States…