Job description
BioNova Labs is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Molecular Biology to join our Cambridge, MA team. You will lead cutting-edge experiments, optimize assays, and guide cross-functional projects from concept to implementation.
In this role, you will design and execute experiments, advance our biomarker discovery program, and mentor junior scientists. We value curiosity, collaboration, and impact-driven science.
Responsibility
- Lead design and execution of molecular biology experiments (PCR, qPCR, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 editing) to support target discovery and validation.
- Develop and optimize assays for gene expression, protein quantification, and biomarker validation, ensuring robust data quality.
- Manage day-to-day lab operations, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with biosafety and quality standards.
- Collaborate with product, analytics, and bioinformatics teams to translate findings into actionable development plans.
- Mentor and train junior scientists and technicians; foster a culture of scientific rigor and safety.
- Prepare progress reports, present results to stakeholders, and contribute to grant proposals and publications.
- Generate and update SOPs, QC metrics, and laboratory notebooks to sustain high-performance workflows.
Qualification
- PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field; or MS with 5+ years of hands-on biotech experience.
- 3+ years of practical experience in molecular biology techniques, including cloning, sequencing, qPCR, RT-PCR, and CRISPR.
- Strong background in assay development, validation, and data interpretation; experience with ELISA and Western blot is preferred.
- Experience with cell culture, sterile technique, and working in BSL-2 environments.
- Proficiency in data analysis software (GraphPad Prism, R, Python) and ability to manage large datasets.
- Excellent scientific communication, documentation, and presentation skills; proven ability to collaborate across teams.
- Project management experience and prior mentorship or leadership roles are a plus.