Research Scientist 1

RESEARCH SCIENTIST 1

Center for Biomedical Innovation (CBI), part of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center (SSRC), will support an ARPA-H–funded program developing a novel platform for the continuous manufacturing of extracellular vesicles (EVs); design and execute experimental workflows to develop next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based approaches for rapid detection of AA genetic material in both process and product samples. Responsibilities include conducting validation studies, such as spiking experiments, to assess sensitivity, specificity, and robustness, and integrating validated analytical tools into continuous manufacturing processes. The role also involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams across bioprocessing, analytics, and bioinformatics to support platform development. This role focuses on advancing methods for detecting adventitious agents (AAs), including microbial and viral contaminants, within continuous EV manufacturing systems.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a closely related field; a minimum of two years of relevant research experience; demonstrated experience developing rapid, point-of-use analytical tools and applying next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based bioinformatics approaches; strong background in molecular biology techniques, including PCR (qPCR, ddPCR, dPCR), ELISA, and Western blotting; experience with standard techniques for mammalian cell culture, microbial cell culture, and virus cultivation; ability to design and execute experimental workflows, analyze and interpret complex datasets, and contribute to method development and validation; experience troubleshooting technical challenges, developing and executing detailed protocols, and maintaining rigorous experimental documentation; ability to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary team environments; and strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

PREFERRED: Strong professional communication and documentation skills, including experience with internal communications, external publications, scientific presentations, and formal recordkeeping; experience using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs); experience performing NGS using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing platform; and familiarity with bacterial, fungal, and viral biology.