Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist Location: Watertown, Massachusetts – This position is based in the headquarters with remote options; public transit stipend covered. Salary: $97,000-115,000 plus benefits. Role Overview The Senior Research Scientist will support Addgene’s mission by improving access to research materials and information, sustaining and expanding current catalog offerings, and collaborating with research teams to develop new biological tools. Responsibilities Design, implement, and analyze experiments across multiple technical domains, ensuring high standards of quality, accuracy, and reproducibility. Lead specific research projects, managing resources, deadlines, deliverables and effective communication of results. Apply expertise in molecular biology techniques (cloning, gene editing, plasmid construction, nucleic acid analysis) to support catalog development and internal workflows. Develop, maintain, and characterize mammalian cell lines for transient and stable expression, including banking and quality assessment. Design and execute experiments using transient and stable mammalian expression systems to produce and validate biological materials. Contribute to sequencing workflows (Sanger, NGS, nanopore). Optimize downstream purification processes for viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus) and recombinant protein biologics (antibodies), including chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and analytical characterization. Collaborate across teams to align scientific priorities with organizational goals and drive cross‑functional projects. Identify relevant funding opportunities and draft, submit and manage grant proposals as PI or co‑PI. Act as primary point of contact for junior scientists, providing guidance on experimental design, troubleshooting, and techniques. Review processes and implement improvements for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Participate in biweekly meetings, providing updates and suggesting process improvements. Maintain strict adherence to protocols, continuously seeking workflow enhancement. Provide hands‑on training and mentorship for junior staff. Continuously review team SOPs and troubleshoot experimental issues. Stay up‑to‑date with scientific trends and technologies, applying new knowledge to improve laboratory practices. Required Qualifications PhD in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field. At least 6 years of laboratory research and scientific experimentation. Hands‑on proficiency in molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion, etc.). Experience with mammalian cell culture, transient transfection, and stable cell line generation. Working knowledge of sequencing technologies and their application to QC and validation. Experience with purification of viral vectors or recombinant protein biologics (chromatography, analytical methods). Strong leadership and mentorship skills. Experience writing or contributing to SOPs, technical reports, or regulatory documentation. Problem‑solving mindset and collaborative approach. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Willingness to serve as PI or co‑PI on funded research. Preferred Qualifications Experience across multiple expression and production platforms (viral vectors and protein biologics). Track record of drafting and securing external grant funding. Familiarity with basic statistics and data analysis software. Experience with Design of Experiment approaches. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Benefits 85% company‑paid healthcare premiums including dental (family coverage) and 100% company‑paid deductible. Life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance. 22 days of PTO plus winter break and company holidays. 403(b) retirement plan with 4% company match after 2 years. Annual professional development stipend. Annual lifestyle stipend. Fully paid public transportation for onsite employees ≥4 days/week. Onsite yoga classes & wellness reimbursement Pet insurance. Annual financial planning one‑on‑ones with plan administrator. About Addgene Addgene is a nonprofit life sciences organization dedicated to accelerating research by sharing DNA‑based research materials. The organization operates as a self‑sustaining nonprofit and collaborates with scientists worldwide to archive and provide plasmids, viral vectors, and recombinant antibodies. #J-18808-Ljbffr