Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Scientist / Principal Associate Scientist AAV Libraries & Tissue-Based Analytics

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, generation, and selection of AAV libraries and the comprehensive analysis of tissue samples to evaluate vector biodistribution, transduction efficiency, and target cell engagement. You will optimize and execute tissue collection, processing, and downstream analytical workflows for both in vitro and in vivo studies to support the identification and selection of lead therapeutic candidates for translation to humans. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work with tissues and mammalian cell culture, as well as AAV library preparation, and who is motivated to contribute to patient-focused therapeutic development.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, generation, and selection of AAV libraries to support discovery and translational development programs.
• Process and evaluate tissue samples to assess vector biodistribution, transduction efficiency, and target cell engagement across multiple tissues and cell types.
• Optimize and execute tissue collection, processing, and downstream analytical workflows for both in vitro and in vivo studies to enable selection of lead therapeutic candidates.
• Perform tissue dissociation, nucleic acid extraction, and quantitative assessments of vector genomes, mRNA, and protein expression to characterize therapeutic performance and biological activity.
• Utilize advanced tissue-based analytical techniques, including antibody-based imaging and FISH methodologies, to evaluate biodistribution, transgene expression, cellular localization, and target engagement in complex tissue specimens.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot tissue processing workflows to support high-throughput analysis of diverse tissue types while ensuring high data quality and reproducibility.
• Rapidly process large numbers of tissue samples for DNA, RNA, and cell-based analyses in alignment with program timelines and project milestones.
• Collaborate closely within the Molecular Therapeutics Department and across the broader R&D organization to integrate tissue-derived data and biological insights into therapeutic candidate selection and advancement.
• Apply molecular biology and quantitative analytical techniques to interpret experimental results and support data-driven decision making.
• Contribute to maintaining accurate documentation of experiments, protocols, and results using appropriate informatics tools and laboratory systems.
• Participate in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and continuous improvement of laboratory methods, workflows, and analytical strategies.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to communicate findings, share technical expertise, and support the progression of discovery and translational programs.

Essential Skills

• Extensive hands-on experience with tissue culture and mammalian cell culture.
• Demonstrated experience with AAV libraries, including their design, generation, and application in experimental workflows.
• Strong proficiency in tissue collection, processing, and downstream analytical workflows from in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Hands-on experience in tissue dissociation and nucleic acid extraction from diverse tissue types.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, including ddPCR, ELISA, and MSD.
• Experience performing quantitative assessments of vector genomes, mRNA, and protein expression to characterize therapeutic performance.
• Experience in molecular biology sufficient to design, execute, and interpret complex biological experiments.
• Ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot tissue processing workflows to support high-throughput analysis.
• Strong statistical analysis skills and experience using statistical software such as PRISM.
• Proficiency with computing tools and databases including Endnote, BLAST, Ensembl, NCBI, Uniprot, UCSC, GTEx, Microsoft applications, and Benchling.
• For Principal Associate Scientist: typically a minimum of 6+ years of related experience with a Bachelors degree, or 4+ years of experience with a Masters degree.
• For Scientist I: typically a minimum of 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelors degree, or 6+ years with a Masters degree, or a PhD with 0+ years of experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in tissue collection, including from preclinical models.
• Hands-on experience with dosing and tissue collection procedures in mouse models (desirable).
• Experience applying antibody-based imaging and FISH methodologies to complex tissue specimens.
• Familiarity with evaluating biodistribution, transgene expression, cellular localization, and target engagement in tissue-based assays.
• Experience in high-throughput tissue and cell-based analyses, including handling large numbers of samples under tight timelines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental design, execution, and documentation.
• Ability to interpret and integrate data from multiple molecular and tissue-based assays to support therapeutic candidate selection.
• Interest in working within a patient-focused environment aimed at improving the daily lives of individuals living with serious diseases.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite laboratory-based position, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work in a research and development environment that emphasizes hands-on tissue and mammalian cell culture, AAV library preparation, and advanced molecular and tissue-based analytical techniques. The role involves frequent handling of tissue samples from both in vitro and in vivo studies, including high-throughput processing of DNA, RNA, and cell-based assays. You will use a range of laboratory technologies and informatics tools, including ddPCR, ELISA, MSD, antibody-based imaging, FISH, PRISM, Benchling, and various bioinformatics databases and software platforms. The environment encourages close collaboration across the Molecular Therapeutics Department and broader R&D teams, with a strong focus on scientific rigor, data quality, reproducibility, and patient-centered impact.

This is a Contract position based out of Boston, MA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Boston,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.