Research Associate Jobs in Cambridge, MA

General information

Location
Cambridge, MA
Ref #
44469
Job Family
Research
Workplace
On-Site
Date published
06/26/2026
Time Type
Full time
Pay Range
$65,000.00/yr - $91,667.00/yr

Description & Requirements

The Microbial Omics Collaborative (MOC) Innovation Lab at the Broad Institute is seeking a creative, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Research Associate III. The MOC Innovation Lab focuses on the development, optimization, scaling, and implementation of innovative methods for generating high-throughput sequencing data and enabling experimental interrogation of diverse microorganisms, in support of infectious disease and microbiome research.

The lab operates in a fast-paced environment that combines method development with large-scale production workflows, processing a substantial number of samples across a wide range of sequencing and functional genomics applications. These include nucleic acid extractions from diverse sample types; RNA-Seq of isolates, microbial communities, and infected cells and tissues; and short- and long-read whole genome sequencing and metagenomics.

The successful candidate will play a central role in driving research and development efforts at the frontier of microbial genomics. Their primary focus will be developing and implementing platforms to render diverse clinical bacterial isolates genetically tractable and optimizing single cell sequencing workflows. The candidate will work collaboratively with scientific staff and external research partners to push the boundaries of what is experimentally achievable in model bacterial strains and clinically derived isolates, taking meaningful ownership of method development projects from conception through implementation.

This position offers opportunities to build deep expertise in microbial genetics, genomics, and functional genomics technologies; take meaningful ownership of method development projects; and collaborate with world-class research and clinical faculty within a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary setting.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Develop, optimize, and implement platforms and protocols that enable single-cell transcriptomics and genetic engineering in diverse bacteria.
• Collaborate with scientific staff, project leads, and external research partners to understand project goals and determine the most effective experimental approaches to achieve them.
• Identify key limitations in existing tools and workflows, devise and test innovative solutions, and integrate improvements into established protocols and SOPs.
• Stay current on emerging methodologies in microbial genetics, functional genomics, and single-cell approaches relevant to infectious disease research.
• Perform basic bioinformatic analysis including sequencing data quality control to support project evaluation and troubleshooting.
• Interact and coordinate with vendors to evaluate and incorporate commercially available reagents, tools, and equipment into method development efforts.
• Contribute to lab sequencing workflows as needed, including nucleic acid extraction and library preparation for Illumina and PacBio in support of broader project goals.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, SOPs, and protocol documentation to ensure reproducibility and operational consistency.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking and project organization across concurrent projects.
• Assist with additional laboratory responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Qualified candidates should possess a B.S. in microbiology, biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, or related field, with at least 5 + years of related experience.

Experience

• Experience in a high-throughput laboratory is a plus.
• Knowledge of and experience with DNA and RNA extraction preferred.
• Proficiency in using tools such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets required.
• Familiarity and some experience with Unix command line and with using common computational tools for genomic and transcriptomic data analysis preferred.
• Excellent experimental skills and a strong background in the latest molecular biology and genomics methodologies.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with multidisciplinary staff in a fast-paced environment.

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.