Senior Research Associate, Protein Engineering

About Us

Basecamp Research is dedicated to solving major challenges in the life sciences by exploring Beyond Known Biology. Our teams build frontier AI models using BaseData, the world's largest ethically-sourced and globally representative biological dataset. Our Global Research Team collects and curates our own biological data through partnerships with more than 152 organizations in 28 countries, giving its AI access to genetic diversity that doesn't exist for models trained on public database sources. This enables Basecamp Research to design novel protein sequences and biological systems that can accelerate therapeutic research and development.

In October 2024 we closed Series B and in January 2026 finalised pre-Series C investment from NVIDIA. With hubs both in London, UK as well as Boston Massachusetts, USA and partners with biopharma companies and academic institutions worldwide, our work has been recognized with honors including Fast Company's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Biotech and the FT-backed Sifted AI100 list of Europe's leading AI startups.

At Basecamp Research, we pride ourselves on being a diverse, exciting, fun, and flexible place to work. Our team of biologists, engineers, ML scientists, field explorers, and operations specialists are united by a sense of adventure and the belief that nature has already designed the solutions to our planet’s greatest challenges – we just need to go out and discover them! If you feel passionate about the power of biology, data, and AI to build a better world, we’d love to hear from you.

About the job

Basecamp Research (BCR) is seeking a Senior Research Associate with a strong experimental foundation in molecular biology who is excited to contribute across multiple protein engineering programs.

The Senior Research Associate will play a key role in experimental design, hands-on execution, and data analysis across a range of protein engineering projects. This work will involve diverse molecular biology techniques, including cloning, library generation, sequencing, and expression workflows.

In this role, you will work closely with the Protein Engineering team to develop and implement characterisation assays and support high-throughput screening workflows for variant identification and optimisation. You will take ownership of experiments from design through analysis, continuously refining engineered protein systems to generate high-quality leads for therapeutic development in a fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategy for design-build-test cycles of novel protein enzymes, with a strong emphasis on validation of novel gene-editing tools.
• Drive process development for scaling wet-lab methods and data management
• Design and execute protein engineering strategies, including mutagenesis, library construction, and sequence optimisation.
• Perform routine molecular cloning (plasmid design and construct generation for recombinant protein expression).
• Support high-throughput screening workflows for variant identification and optimisation.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data; maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with the data science, discovery, and application teams.
• Contribute to an open and high-integrity scientific culture at Basecamp Research.
• Present experimental findings and data summaries to internal stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot multi-step experimental workflows.
• Assist in day-to-day laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, and ordering.

Basic Requirements

• 5 years (B.S.) or 2 years (M.S.) of relevant industry experience in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Protein Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field. 
• Strong foundation in molecular biology and cloning techniques, including Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, restriction cloning, and site-directed mutagenesis.
• Hands-on experience designing and constructing DNA libraries (random and targeted mutagenesis).
• Experience with deep sequencing platforms, including NGS library preparation and sequencing workflow optimisation.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression (E. coli and/or mammalian systems).

Preferred

• Experience with directed evolution methodologies (e.g., error-prone PCR, saturation mutagenesis, DNA shuffling).
• Fluency with qPCR and ddPCR for quantitative characterization of editing events.
• Experience characterising mutant protein panels through biochemical and functional assays, including stability and activity evaluation.
• Fluency in NGS instrumentation, basic bioinformatics tools, and traceable data pipelines.

What we offer

• The opportunity to be a key member in an exciting, dynamic, and fast-moving field.
• A fun, flexible, and supportive work environment in the heart of Kendall Square, with close connections to the London office and an emphasis on collaboration and personal development.
• Unique and never-seen before data sourced in partnership with nature parks and other ecosystems across five continents.
• A network of top-tier advisors and academic partners (see website for details).
• Exploring the world’s untapped biodiversity.
• Competitive salary, equity, comprehensive benefits, and 401(k).
• A fast-moving environment with real ownership and scientific impact.

Salary range for this role, depending on skills and experience: $90k - $110k