Job Summary 

 

This position will be part of a center in the Cambridge, MA area, developing products at the intersection of the microbiome and Prolacta’s unique capabilities in human milk-based nutritional products.  The successful applicant will be responsible for executing molecular biology assays to support product innovation at Prolacta. In collaboration with colleagues across multiple departments at Prolacta, this position will process human and animal samples to produce datasets that will enable new product development and support extensions of existing product lines.  Prior experience with DNA extraction from a variety of sample types, PCR, qPCR, other molecular biology analyses, and sample management will be needed.  The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about performing wet lab work. 

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

 

·                     Execute relevant molecular biology assays and analytical assays for products 

·                     Maintain inventory of samples received and processed 

·                     Support molecular biology endpoints for clinical trials of novel microbiome therapeutics 

 

Job Requirements and Qualifications 

 

·                     B.S. degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or similar with 2+ years experience of independent work in a wet lab setting 

·                     Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction and quantitation, PCR, qPCR, interpretation of Sanger sequencing results, gel electrophoresis, general nucleic acid manipulations, etc.

·                     Familiarity with BLAST and primer design programs (such as Primer-BLAST, Primer3, DNASTAR LaserGene, Geneious)

·                     Working knowledge of microbiology techniques is a plus

·                     Experience keeping a detailed laboratory notebook documenting experiments performed in lab 

·                     Experience handling a large sample volume with samples originating from multiple workflows

·                     Comfort with high-throughput workflows and processing samples in 384-well plate format

·                     Strong communicator who can successfully collaborate with cross-functional team members 

·                     Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines 

·                     Meticulous organization and record keeping skills 

·                     Detail oriented and observant with critical thinking skills 

 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

 

·                     Ability to work collaboratively, as well as independently 

·                     Strong work ethic and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities 

·                     Enthusiastic team player with a positive, “can-do” attitude 

·                     Strong initiative and self-motivated 

 

Work Environment (Location, travel, shift, on-call, etc.) 

 

Travel 

 

Up to 10%, pending control of the ongoing global pandemic 

 

Location 

 

Cambridge, MA 

 

 

This position has been filled.