Senior Research Associate

Applications closed on 2026-02-08

  • Project/division: Nucleic Acid Observatory
  • Start date: as soon as possible
  • Status: full-time SecureBio employee
  • Starting compensation: $90,000 to $100,000, depending on experience
  • Visa sponsorship available: No
  • Work location: In-person in Cambridge, MA

The role

The Nucleic Acid Observatory is building a metagenomics-based pathogen-agnostic early warning system to protect the world from catastrophic pandemics. As advances in biotechnology lower the barriers to engineering pathogens, our mission is to ensure humanity’s detection and alert systems are ready. As part of this mission, we operate a pilot biosurveillance network that performs weekly metagenomic sequencing of wastewater and nasal swabs to screen for engineered threats.

We’re looking for a Senior Research Associate to execute and own our metagenomic sequencing workflows. A high-performing hire will take responsibility for end-to-end laboratory execution, troubleshooting, and supporting the scalable operation of our sequencing pipeline.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Execution & Workflow Ownership

  • Execute end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and quality control across diverse sample types
  • Prepare short- and long-read sequencing libraries (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore)
  • Maintain rigorous documentation in an electronic laboratory notebook

Troubleshooting, SOPs, and Sample Management

  • Troubleshoot workflow issues and implement corrective actions
  • Contribute to SOP development and versioning
  • Support controlled sample management and inventory systems

Scaling, Operations, and Data Handoffs

  • Support scalable, production-minded workflow design with standardized controls
  • Maintain accurate metadata and sample tracking
  • Support routine operational needs including inventory and reagent tracking

Communication & Knowledge Sharing

  • Provide status updates and surface risks early
  • Communicate results clearly across laboratory and computational teams
  • Contribute to internal and external-facing materials

Competencies and qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience, or Master’s degree with 2+ years
  • Hands-on sequencing workflow and QC experience
  • Hands-on experience working with RNA
  • Protocol adherence and troubleshooting capability
  • Ability to work autonomously with clear team communication

Preferred

  • Experience working with viruses
  • Liquid handling automation experience
  • Sample tracking system familiarity
  • Experience with environmental or other complex sample types
  • Metagenomic or pathogen surveillance knowledge
  • Exposure to bioinformatics workflows

Salary and benefits

This is a full-time, in-person role in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office. The starting salary range is $90,000 to $100,000 per annum, depending on prior experience.

Our employee benefits reflect our belief in investing to build the strongest possible team, in which everyone receives the trust and support they need to excel. Our benefits package includes:

Comprehensive healthcare

Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including health, dental & vision insurance, as well as a yearly mental health allowance for every employee.

Flexible work schedule

Flexible work hours; unlimited paid time off (PTO) for all employees; and minimum 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave.

Development opportunities

Generous professional development opportunities, including fully-paid conference sponsorships and a yearly development allowance for every employee.

401(k)

Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of total salary.

Application process

We will review applications on a rolling basis, and are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

After considering your written application, we may invite you to a short screening interview. High-performing candidates may be invited to further interviews, followed by an in-person work trial in our Cambridge, MA office. We will also require two to three reference checks.

We’re committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, and we encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We especially encourage applications from women, gender minorities, and people of color who are excited about contributing to our mission, and are happy to consider applicants from overseas. We’re an equal opportunity employer.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any other questions about applying, please contact .

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Referral bonus

We offer a referral bonus of up to $3,500 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:

To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g. due to you introducing them to us when we didn’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position).

  • If you refer a candidate that we invite to a longer interview, you will receive $75;
  • If you refer a candidate that we invite to an in-person work trial, you will receive a further $375, for a total of $450;
  • If the candidate accepts a job offer from us, you will receive a further $1,250, for a total of $1,700;
  • If the candidate is still working with us after three months, you will receive a further $1,800, for a total of $3,500.