What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate: mRNA Production position at Basecamp Research?
About us
We are unlocking the potential of our planet’s unexplored biodiversity to build sustainable solutions with our biotechnology partners whilst demonstrating the value of our world’s undiscovered biology.
At Basecamp Research, we pride ourselves on being a diverse, exciting, fun, and flexible place to work. We are a team of biologists, data scientists & explorers united by a sense of adventure and the belief that nature has already designed the solutions to our planet’s greatest challenges - we just have to go out and discover them!
If you feel passionate about the power of biology to show the inherent value of nature and to build a better world, we’d love to hear from you.
About the job
Overview:
We are seeking a Research Associate / Senior Research Associate to join our Gene Editing team. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the design, synthesis, and optimization of high-quality mRNA for research and development applications.
This position is primarily laboratory-based, focusing on in vitro transcription (IVT), mRNA purification, analytical characterization, molecular cloning, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and other biochemical assays. The ideal candidate will bring solid technical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for experimental work in a fast-paced environment.
You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in Gene Editing, Innovation, and Computational Protein Design to refine production workflows and contribute to the successful delivery of project goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize enzyme-catalyzed in vitro transcription (IVT), purification, and quantification workflows for mRNA production.
- Implement and refine automation and high-throughput workflows to improve efficiency and reproducibility of mRNA synthesis.
- Design, execute, and analyze analytical assays (e.g., Fragment Analyzer, qPCR, LAL endotoxin assay, ELISA) to characterize mRNA quality and integrity.
- Perform molecular cloning to generate plasmids required by various project teams.
- Conduct mRNA transfections as part of quality evaluation and functional testing of synthesized reagents.
- Present experimental findings and data summaries to internal stakeholders in a clear, concise manner.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other teams to support shared project goals.
- Assist in day-to-day laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, and ordering.
- Maintain an accurate, well-organized electronic lab notebook (ELN) with up-to-date experimental records.
- This is a fully on-site role and requires in office/lab work 5 days per week in Cambridge, Boston.
About you
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field.
- Experienced in molecular cloning and setting up one-pot in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions, including poly(A) tailing and strategies to enhance mRNA stability.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection assays.
- Knowledge of automated liquid handling and high-throughput mRNA production systems
What we can offer:
- The opportunity to be a key member in an exciting, dynamic, and fast-moving field.
- A fun, flexible, and supportive work environment and an emphasis on collaboration and personal development.
- A highly collaborative culture, we always work cross team and cross function, with engineers, data scientists, and biologists working directly together to tackle complex issues.
- Competitive compensation including equity
- Comprehensive medical cover with Cigna
- Life Insurance
- 401K Plan
- Generous PTO
- Enhanced parental policy
- Commuter benefit
Do you want to join our team as our new Research Associate: mRNA Production? Then we'd love to hear from you!
