The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI)is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health. Founded in 2017 and located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Institute’s three-pronged strategy is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research and develop educational programs for the protein science and biological research communities.
With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.
Reports To: Scientist, Antibody Characterization and Validation
Job Description
Join our dynamic Antibody Characterization and Validation Team as a motivated Research Associate. You'll be pivotal in optimizing and performing immunofluorescence-based antibody activity assays, including quantitative immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including antigen and antibody production, to advance novel antibody research and development.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Perform transient transfection and immunofluorescence of CHO cells with antibody targets and closest related proteins to test activity and selectivity of IPI antibodies.
- Perform immunohistochemistry testing of specific, sensitive antibodies on mouse tissue.
- Assist in method development and optimization for immunofluorescence assays.
- Culture, transfect, and maintain mammalian cells.
- Perform immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and knockout/knockdown assays to test IPI antibodies in mammalian cells.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and optimize processes.
- Support automation efforts to improve throughput and consistency of immunofluorescence experiments.
- Maintain stocks of common lab reagents for immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays, including mouse tissue cryosections.
- Document experimental protocols, raw data, and reports in an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Present experimental results clearly and effectively.
- Collaborate across diverse interdisciplinary teams.
Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with 0-2 years’ experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or academic settings.
- Basic molecular biology and biology lab skills required.
- Hands-on experience with cell culture required.
- Experience with automated lab systems, basic molecular genetics techniques, CHO transfection systems, and immunohistochemistry preferred.
- Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to follow SOPs and execute bench experiments successfully.
- Programming skills (R, Python) for data analysis and visualization are a plus.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
- Team-oriented spirit with a strong commitment to impactful science.
If you're enthusiastic about contributing to groundbreaking antibody research and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!
Salary commensurate with experience.
IPI provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package to support physical, mental and financial health. Highlights of benefits include:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans
- Flexible spending accounts and a healthcare reimbursement account
- 401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested
- Generous PTO package
- Commuter and parking reimbursement
- Career development opportunities
For more information, visit proteininnovation.org or follow us on social media, @ipiproteins. IPI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization and an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please be advised that you will be required to provide evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. IPI will not guarantee sponsorship of foreign nationals and retains complete discretion regarding providing sponsorship to any prospective or existing employee at time of hire or at any time in the future.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
