Research Associate III - Traverso Lab

We are seeking a Research Associate III in the Laboratory for Translational Engineering at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard with a background in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, material science, pharmaceutical sciences, or a closely related field. Our research group consists of chemists, biologists, engineers, pharmaceutical scientists, and physicians, and focuses on developing clinically relevant solutions to a host of challenges such as infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, and cancer.

This project focuses on the highly exciting and burgeoning area of RNA delivery. Our group has pioneered several approaches in the delivery of biologics across the gastrointestinal mucosa, including RNA delivery. The goal of the project is to design systems for mRNA delivery in the gastrointestinal tract. The project will involve novel material synthesis (polymers and lipids) for the formulation development of mRNA nanoparticles. Nanoparticles will be characterized for their physicochemical properties and in vitro transfection. Lead formulations will be interfaced with chemical and physical permeation enhancers and tested for uptake in the gastrointestinal tract. We encourage individuals who have prior experience with nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to apply.

Job Requirements

The candidate should possess a B.S./M.S. or equivalent in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, material science, pharmaceutical sciences, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in at least 2 of the areas listed below:

• Synthesis of polymers and/or lipids, and their physicochemical characterization using techniques such as NMR, GPC
• Mammalian cell culture
• General biological characterization techniques such as flow cytometry, PCR, western blotting, microscopy
• Formulation development (such as nanoparticles and microparticles) and characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS)/ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) etc.

Candidate must have self-motivation and willingness to learn new tools and techniques; strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; comfort summarizing and reporting results to interdisciplinary researchers; commitment to exceeding standards and producing accurate, high quality work; meticulous attention to detail; practiced documentation skills; and ability to follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including DNA synthesis and purification, PCR, in vitro transcription (IVT), RNA purification, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and Western blotting.
• Design and construct plasmids; conduct bacterial transformations and perform plasmid preparation and characterization.
• Culture and maintain diverse mammalian cell lines with a high degree of precision and reproducibility.
• Execute both transient and stable transfections and perform cytotoxicity assays.
• Design, develop, and execute cell-based assays to support drug discovery and small-molecule screening programs.
• Conduct high-throughput screening using automated liquid handling systems.
• Synthesize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and perform physicochemical characterization using techniques such as DLS and Ribogreen assays.
• Operate and maintain HPLC-MS systems for analytical characterization.
• Conduct in vivo studies, including mouse handling, dosing (various injection routes), blood collection, and sample processing in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to advance therapeutic development programs, ensuring alignment on research strategies, timelines, and deliverables.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data and research findings to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Drive innovation in cellular assay development and contribute to a fast-paced, results-oriented research environment.
• Conduct scientific literature searches
• Support laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement, and EHS
• Supervise, train, and mentor junior team members.