Research Associate
About Aldatu
Has SARS CoV-2 or monkeypox piqued your interest in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness? Do you have an interest in infectious disease and / or global health?
Through our innovative diagnostic platform, based on our proprietary qPCR-enabling technology, PANDAA, we are committed to providing access to infectious disease diagnostic that address longstanding challenges in global health, and which improve both the quality of patient care and healthcare cost-efficiency across the world.
Leaders in Adaptive PCR
Viral genetic diversity has been a major hurdle in the development of numerous diagnostic assays. One very prominent example is false negatives COVID-19 test results by SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Aldatu designed and implemented one of the first COVID-19 tests in New England, allowing major Boston hospitals to rapidly implement testing very early in the pandemic. Aldatu’s PANDAA qDx™ SARS-CoV-2 test—which is sold to clinical labs in a number of countries—leveraged the core features of our PANDAA technology to enable uniquely durable detection of SARS-CoV-2. Like our other diagnostics, this offers distinct longevity and utility for testing despite changes that may arise as viruses continues to evolve.
Our expanding R&D and product portfolios includes products for drug-resistant HIV, COVID-19 detection and variant genotyping, and viral hemorrhagic fevers.
The Person and Role
We are seeking highly-motivated and talented research associate to join our Assay Development team. Successful applicants will possess strong molecular biology skills and a demonstrated interest in global health and / or infectious disease. Our new team member will work closely with our senior research team to design and execute the development and validation of PANDAA-based diagnostic products, focusing on developing the first universal diagnostic for the detection and differentiation ebolavirus and marburgvirus, recognized by the WHO as a significant pandemic risk.
To be successful in this role, you are expected to have a minimum of one year’s post-graduate experience in an academic or biotech setting, be independently motivated, goal oriented, technically competent, and work effectively in a team environment. You should be willing to commit a minimum of two years as there are substantial growth opportunities within the company for the capable candidate.
What We Offer You
Paid Time Off
- Up to 30 days vacation each year: 18 days flexible paid time off in your first year, which is in addition to 6 federal holidays, 2 days over Thanksgiving, and a company holiday shutdown from 24th to 31st December [with flexibility if you need to observe a religious or cultural holiday at another time of year]
Benefits
- Subsidized health, dental and vision insurance with several health insurance options such as HMOs and PPOs and includes cover for your spouse or domestic partner, children, and unmarried dependent children.
- Participation in a 401(k) plan with company contributions.
- Healthy Living Allowance of up to $500 per calendar year in reimbursement for costs incurred related to long-term activities that promote physical wellness.
- Salary range of $66,950 to $74,500
- Participation in a twice-yearly performance-related bonus scheme.
Primary Job Duties
- Optimization and validation of PANDAA assay design for pipeline diagnostic products in development and extensive qPCR reagent design testing.
- Learn our systems and provide feedback on workflow optimizations and process improvements in our bioanalytical lab while building your skills and setting goals for professional growth.
- Contribute to all aspects of core molecular biology needs including primer and probe optimization, nucleic acid manipulation and purification, RNA synthesis by in vitro transcription, digital PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Organization and presentation of data for both internal use (e.g., regular company meetings) and external use (e.g., NIH progress reports, grant applications, academic and/or industry partner communications, investor meetings, etc.).
Required Experience
- B.S. or M.S. with 1+ years of laboratory research experience in molecular biology, assay development, microbiology, or similar life science field.
- Interest in infectious disease and / or global health.
- Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following molecular biology techniques: reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, nucleic acid manipulation, and sequencing techniques.
- Experience with real-time PCR setup, analysis using basic analytical QC methods, documentation of results, and reagent inventory management. Experience with QuantStudio real-time PCR platform is a plus.
- Ability to balance/prioritize research efforts across multiple programs, meet deadlines, and shift plans in service of a rapidly-changing startup environment
- Exceptional communication, writing, organizational and time management skills.
- Exemplary lab notebook practices, and attention to detail in recordkeeping
- Experience Using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Teams
Preferred Experience
- Experience with molecular biology software tools, and electronic notebook (e.g. Geneious, ApE, Serial Cloner, Artemis)
- Previous experience in biotech or pharma.
Application Form
To apply, please fill out the online application form. Candidates should also upload a cover letter and CV (including publication list, if applicable) in the form prior to submission.
Aldatu is unable to sponsor employment-based visas at this time. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. No employment agencies, please.
Contact Name:
Larry Carrasco, VP of Operations
Salary Range:
$66,950 to $74,500