Research Associate​/Sr. Research Associate, Discovery Biology​/Drug Discovery Camb

Job Description

Job Title: Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate, Discovery Biology/Drug Discovery

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (Boston Area)

Institute: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) Boston

Position Type: Full-Time, In-Person / Laboratory-Based (no remote work)

Classification: Exempt -- This position is classified as exempt and involves advanced professional duties requiring specialized knowledge in a scientific field.

About the Position

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) is expanding its presence in the Boston area and is seeking a Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join our Drug Discovery team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to both hypothesis-driven basic research and early pre-clinical drug discovery efforts.

The ideal candidate is highly hands-on and intellectually curious, with strong experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, and an interest in building robust assays and generating high-quality data to support target validation and drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Design & Execution

• Under the guidance of the Head of Drug Discovery, independently plan and execute experiments, analyze data, and clearly communicate results in team meetings and to external collaborators.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and reproducibility standards (e.g., controls, repeatability, robust assay performance).

Collaborative Drug Discovery Research

• Partner closely with interdisciplinary colleagues (proteomics, protein science, computational, external academic collaborators) to advance target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, and early discovery programs.
• Contribute to project planning, experimental prioritization, and interpretation of results in a drug-discovery context.

Assay & Method Development

• Develop, optimize, and validate cellular and biochemical assays (e.g., potency, selectivity, pathway readouts).
• Support screening workflows and follow-up characterization of hits.
• Leverage and/or help expand capabilities in discovery biology, proteomics, biophysics, and protein science as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Research Associate: Bachelor’s degree with relevant research experience
• Sr. Research Associate: Master’s degree with relevant research experience

Core Competencies

• Strong hands-on experimental ability in one or more of: cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics
• Self-directed, organized, and motivated; able to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and data integrity

Technical Expertise (or Strong Willingness to Learn)

• Drug Discovery Biology: biochemical and/or cell-based assay development; screening support; basic screening data analysis; data organization and tracking
• Molecular Biology: cloning, mutagenesis, PCR/Gibson, RT-qPCR, Western blotting; experience with CRISPR/Cas9 a plus
• Software & Data: proficiency with Graph Pad Prism and Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint); familiarity with Python for data analysis is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an academic or industry drug discovery environment (target validation, assay development, screening, hit follow-up)
• Experience working with compound libraries and follow-up screening logistics
• Demonstrated interest in translational science and using modern tools/technologies to answer biological questions

Salary Range:

Research Associate $69,000 – 71,000 USD per year, Sr. Research Associate $75,000 – 90,000 USD per year.

The salary range listed represents IOCB Boston’s good faith estimate for this position and is based on factors including, but not limited to, education, experience, skills, internal equity, and market data. Final compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Competitive benefits package including employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance; transportation contribution; generous paid time off; and company-paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and life insurance.

Wor…