Job Summary

 

This position will be part of a center in Cambridge, MA, developing products at the intersection of the microbiome and Prolacta’s unique capabilities in human milk-based nutritional products.  The successful scientist will be responsible for designing and executing microbiology experiments to support product development at Prolacta. In collaboration with CROs, Prolacta R&D, clinical, CMC teams, and academic collaborators, this position will support the development of datasets that will enable new products and support extensions of existing product lines.  Prior experience with anaerobic and aerobic microbiology, microbial diversity, biomass production, and sample management will be needed.  Candidate will need to be enthusiastic about performing wet lab work.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

 

·                     In collaboration with team members, develop experimental datasets to support product development, regulatory filings, and product claims

·                     Develop and execute relevant microbial characterization assays

·                     Develop and execute analytical assays for products

·                     Support microbiological endpoints for clinical trials testing novel microbiome therapeutics

 

 

 

 

Job Requirements and Qualifications

 

·                     Minimum Ph.D. Degree in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or similar (or M.S. degree with 6+ years experience in an industry setting)

·                     Expertise in execution of microbial physiology and molecular biology techniques, including selection strategies, culture techniques, qPCR, and sequencing

·                     Experience with anaerobic microbiology techniques

·                     Experience culturing and phenotypically characterizing diverse microbes, including members of the human microbiome

·                     Experience with methods for assessing microbial metabolite production

·                     Experience with methods for assaying microbe-microbe interactions

·                     Experience with assays probing host-microbe interactions, especially interactions impacting host inflammatory status

·                     Experience in assays relevant to mucosal immunology

·                     Demonstrated experience in independently designing, executing, and interpreting experiments and communicating experimental results

·                     Experience authoring and reviewing technical documents such as protocols and reports

·                     Strong communicator who can successfully collaborate with cross-functional team members and CROs on assay development and execution

·                     Analytical and process driven with the ability to operate in a complex or matrixed work environment

·                     Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines

·                     Detail oriented with critical thinking skills

 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

·                     Demonstrated technical problem-solving skills

·                     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-starter

·                     Excellent organizational skills

 

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

 

Travel

 

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

 

 

 

Location

 

Cambridge, MA

 

 

 

 

Physical Requirements

 

a.    Activities. How much on-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities? Show the amount of time by checking the appropriate boxes below.

 

Amount of Time
Activity	None	Up to 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	2/3 or more
Stand			X
Walk		X
Sit			X
Talk or hear				X
Use hands to finger, handle or feel			X
Climb or balance		X
Stoop, Kneel, crouch or crawl		X
Reach with hands and arms			X
Taste or smell	X

 

b.    Lifting. Does this job require that weight be lifted or force be exerted? If so, how much and how often? Check the appropriate boxes below.

 

Amount of Time
Activity	None	Up to 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	2/3 or more
Up to 10 pounds		X
Up to 25 pounds		X
Up to 50 pounds	X
Up to 100 pounds	X
More than 100 pounds	X

 

 

Direct Reports

 

N/A