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Job Title: Contract Scientist – Protein Optimization (Laboratory Support)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Assignment Type: Contract (1 year)
Schedule: Full-Time
Position Overview
A leading global biopharmaceutical organization is seeking a Contract Scientist to support its Protein Optimization team in Cambridge, MA. This laboratory-based role will focus on accelerating yeast display and molecular biology workflows through hands-on experimental support.
The ideal candidate will bring strong bench-level molecular biology experience and the ability to reliably execute established protocols while maintaining detailed documentation. This position is well-suited for a Research Associate to Associate Scientist-level professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
#P1
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Find what’s next with Kelly®.
As a worker today, it’s up to you to take charge of your career and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential. Helping you find what’s next is what we’re all about. We know what’s going on in the evolving world of work—just ask the 440,000 people we employ each year. Connecting with us means getting the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to take your career where you may have never imagined.
About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Assignment Type: Contract (1 year)
Schedule: Full-Time
Position Overview
A leading global biopharmaceutical organization is seeking a Contract Scientist to support its Protein Optimization team in Cambridge, MA. This laboratory-based role will focus on accelerating yeast display and molecular biology workflows through hands-on experimental support.
The ideal candidate will bring strong bench-level molecular biology experience and the ability to reliably execute established protocols while maintaining detailed documentation. This position is well-suited for a Research Associate to Associate Scientist-level professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine, hands-on molecular biology workflows to support protein optimization and yeast display efforts
- Execute yeast transformations, colony picking, routine cell maintenance, and culturing
- Conduct plasmid preparation, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and DNA purification
- Prepare DNA samples suitable for next-generation sequencing (NGS)
- Support cloning efforts including restriction digest, gel purification, combinatorial library design, and saturation mutagenesis
- Assist with DNA insert design and coordinate external synthesis as needed
- Operate flow cytometry analyzers and FACS sorters to support yeast display workflows
- Prepare yeast cultures for FACS sorting and extract DNA from selected populations
- Register DNA and protein sequences in internal systems for proper documentation and banking
- Maintain meticulous laboratory records and collaborate closely with cross-functional scientific teams
Required Qualifications
- B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Immunology, or a related field
- At least 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience
- Strong molecular biology skills including cloning, transformation, plasmid prep, PCR, and sequence analysis
- Experience with sterile technique and cell culture
- Working knowledge of protein engineering methods
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a collaborative research team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Industry experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings
- Experience with yeast, mammalian, or phage display systems
- Hands-on experience preparing and handling samples for next-generation sequencing
- Experience operating flow cytometry analyzers and FACS sorters
- Basic understanding of antibody structure and function
- Proficiency in written and spoken English required
- Some travel may be required
#P1
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Find what’s next with Kelly®.
As a worker today, it’s up to you to take charge of your career and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential. Helping you find what’s next is what we’re all about. We know what’s going on in the evolving world of work—just ask the 440,000 people we employ each year. Connecting with us means getting the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to take your career where you may have never imagined.
About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.