Associate Scientist

Role Overview

Discover International are supporting SecureBio with a key hire - Associate Scientist.

SecureBio is building a metagenomics-based pathogen-agnostic early warning system to protect the world from catastrophic pandemics. As advances in biotechnology lower the barriers to engineering pathogens, our mission is to ensure humanity is prepared. We develop systems to identify stealth pathogens and novel biological threats early enough to mount an effective response, including threats that spread without obvious symptoms.

The Associate Scientist will be a key part of our pipeline and help us achieve this mission by executing, optimizing, and scaling laboratory workflows that support metagenomic sequencing across diverse sample types (e.g., nasal swabs, wastewater). While this role is an operationally-focused pipeline position with substantial autonomy within the matrix environment, there will also be opportunities to take ownership of projects and to design and execute experiments to improve laboratory capabilities. This is an excellent opportunity to grow with an exceptional, AI-forward mission-driven team in a fast-paced startup environment.

This is a 5-day on-site position in Cambridge (one weekend day required) but you'll be entitle to take a day of your choice off during the week.

Laboratory Execution & Optimization

• Execute and optimize end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows at scale with focus on the initial sample processing steps — from concentration and DNA/RNA extraction of environmental samples, through molecular prep, to sequencing.
• Improve protocols and implement QA/QC, applying sound experimental design to method optimization and troubleshooting; identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Author and revise SOPs, spotting recurring issues and broader patterns and driving fixes.
• Document work rigorously in SecureBio's electronic lab notebook, and use AI tools to work more efficiently.

Scaling, Automation & Data Systems

• Design scalable, production-minded sample processing workflows (batching, standardized handoffs, controls) aligned with downstream steps of our laboratory and computational pipeline.
• Partner with engineers and scientists to integrate liquid handling and laboratory automation.
• Support the design and use of sample/data management systems; maintain accurate metadata and sample tracking, resolving discrepancies proactively.
• Support operational readiness: inventory, reagent tracking, and vendor coordination.

Leadership & Communication

• Own small projects with meaningful ambiguity, keeping clear plans and steady progress toward shared goals.
• Mentor junior team members on methods and workflows.
• Provide clear status updates, surface risks early, and escalate anomalies with context and proposed next steps.
• Ensure reliable handoffs to laboratory functions; contribute to internal updates and, as appropriate, external-facing materials.

Qualifications

Required

• MS or PhD with 4 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic experience acceptable); exceptional BS candidates considered.
• Hands-on experience executing NGS workflows, interpreting QC, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience working with environmental RNA.
• Demonstrated ownership of small projects with meaningful ambiguity, and sound judgment on when to escalate.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating and communicating clearly across teams.

Preferred

• Optimizing concentration and extraction methods for environmental or complex samples (wastewater, nasal swabs, marine).
• Working at scale in industry or core-facility environments.
• Hands-on experience with viral ecology or metagenomics.
• Liquid handling automation.
• Sample tracking and metadata capture systems.
• Experience with downstream computational or bioinformatics workflows.

To apply please reach out to Sam Shinner

sam@securebio.org