Associate Scientist

Schedule: On-site 5 days per week; one of those days will need to be a Saturday or Sunday Starting compensation: $100,000 to $140,000, Experience Dependent Work location: On-site in Cambridge, MA Role Overview SecureBio 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 is prepared. We develop systems to identify stealth pathogens and novel biological threats early enough to mount an effective response, including threats that spread without obvious symptoms. The Associate Scientist will be a key part of our pipeline and help us achieve this mission by executing, optimizing, and scaling laboratory workflows that support metagenomic sequencing across diverse sample types (e.g., nasal swabs, wastewater). While this role is an operationally-focused pipeline position with substantial autonomy within the matrix environment, there will also be opportunities to take ownership of projects and to design and execute experiments to improve laboratory capabilities. This is an excellent opportunity to grow with an exceptional, AI-forward mission-driven team in a fast-paced startup environment. Laboratory Execution & Optimization Execute and optimize end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows at scale with focus on the initial sample processing steps — from concentration and DNA/RNA extraction of environmental samples, through molecular prep, to sequencing. Improve protocols and implement QA/QC, applying sound experimental design to method optimization and troubleshooting; identify root causes and drive corrective actions. Author and revise SOPs, spotting recurring issues and broader patterns and driving fixes. Document work rigorously in SecureBio’s electronic lab notebook, and use AI tools to work more efficiently. Scaling, Automation & Data Systems Design scalable, production-minded sample processing workflows (batching, standardized handoffs, controls) aligned with downstream steps of our laboratory and computational pipeline. Partner with engineers and scientists to integrate liquid handling and laboratory automation. Support the design and use of sample/data management systems; maintain accurate metadata and sample tracking, resolving discrepancies proactively. Support operational readiness: inventory, reagent tracking, and vendor coordination. Leadership & Communication Own small projects with meaningful ambiguity, keeping clear plans and steady progress toward shared goals. Mentor junior team members on methods and workflows. Provide clear status updates, surface risks early, and escalates anomalies with context and proposed next steps. Ensure reliable handoffs to laboratory functions; contribute to internal updates and, as appropriate, external-facing materials. Required Qualifications MS or PhD with 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience (academic experience acceptable); exceptional BS candidates considered. Hands-on experience executing NGS workflows, interpreting QC, and troubleshooting. Hands-on experience working with environmental RNA. Demonstrated ownership of small projects with meaningful ambiguity, and sound judgment on when to elevate. Ability to work autonomously while collaborating and communicating clearly across teams. Preferred Qualifications Optimizing concentration and extraction methods for environmental or complex samples (wastewater, nasal swabs, marine). Working at scale in industry or core-facility environments. Hands-on experience with viral ecology or metagenomics. Liquid handling automation. Sample tracking and metadata capture systems. Experience with downstream computational or bioinformatics workflows. Logistics and benefits This is a full-time in-person role located in our Cambridge, MA office. 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: Flexible work hours; unlimited paid time off (PTO) for all employees; and minimum 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave. 401(k) Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of total salary. Relocation & commuter support Free commuter benefits up to $250/month, plus a generous relocation allowance for employees who move to the Boston area. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr SecureBio, LLC