Research Scientist, Assay Development (Cell-based HT Workflows)

RevivBio is seeking an experienced Assay Development Research Scientist to design, optimize, and validate cell-based, molecular, and biochemical assays that power our ultrahigh‑throughput microfluidic discovery platform. This role sits at the intersection of cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and technology development, and is ideal for someone who has built assays that must be robust, quantitative, and scalable.

You will work with a team of scientists to own assay development and execution from concept through optimization and integration into microfluidic workflows. While you will not perform NGS yourself, you must understand how assay design and execution influence downstream PCR‑based quantification, to ensure library diversity preservation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize cell-based, molecular and biochemical assays for ultrahigh‑throughput screening, including fluorescence, enzymatic, binding, and functional readouts.
• Execute routine molecular biology workflows: cloning, PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA prep, expression constructs, and assay reagent generation.
• Ensure assay designs preserve high‑quality, quantitative PCR readouts, with attention to jackpotting, bottlenecking, amplification bias, and library complexity.
• Collaborate with microfluidics engineers to adapt assays for droplet generation, sorting, and detection modules.
• Troubleshoot assay performance, identify failure modes, and implement systematic improvements.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, assay specifications, and reproducibility standards.
• Evaluate new assay chemistries, detection modalities, and workflow automation opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of industry experience in assay development, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields (required).
• BS, MS, or PhD in Biology, biochemistry, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, optimize, and validate quantitative biochemical or molecular assays.
• Strong experience with PCR, qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA workflows, and general molecular biology.
• Familiarity with emulsion PCR, droplet assays, or microfluidic workflows, or strong aptitude to learn.
• Deep understanding of how assay design impacts PCR‑based quantification (e.g., jackpotting, bottlenecking, amplification bias, library diversity).
• Proven track record of troubleshooting complex assays and delivering robust, reproducible results.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.
• Must be Boston‑based and authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with droplet microfluidics, FADS, Flow Cytometry, FACS- high‑throughput screening platforms.
• Background in directed evolution, protein engineering, or functional genomics.
• Experience with automation, liquid handlers, or high‑throughput instrumentation.
• Familiarity with fluorescence detection, enzymatic kinetics, or cell‑based assay development.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to build assays that directly power a next‑generation microfluidic discovery platform.
• A fast‑moving, collaborative environment with deep expertise across microfluidics, protein engineering, and AI‑driven discovery.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.