The Research Associate will perform analytical characterization of antibodies, including stability assessments, quality control, and data management using chromatography techniques.
The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI)is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health. Founded in 2017 and located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Institute’s three-pronged strategy is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research and develop educational programs for the protein science and biological research communities.
With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.
Purpose
The Research Associate on the Antibody Characterization and Validation team will play an essential role in the analytical characterization, stability assessment, shelf-life determination and quality control of IPI’s recombinant antibodies targeting a wide range of cell surface receptors and ligands.
Primary Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities are associated with using advanced analytical chromatography techniques to validate antibody quality and assess stability. This role will be supporting quality control, inventory & distribution of antibodies under stable conditions. Recording data using electronic notebooks, uploading data into LIMS, organizing, reporting, and presenting data is also essential.
● Operate and maintain HPLC-SEC & SEC-MALS instruments designed for high-throughput analysis of proteins, including antibodies.
● Perform and optimize SEC-MALS analysis for antibody aggregation, molecular weight determination and purity assessments.
● Perform stability assessment of antibodies under different stress treatments, eg: time, temperature & freeze-thaw to determine shelf-life, storage & distribution conditions.
● Run high-throughput Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and spectrophotometer analysis to assess antibody quality.
● Run routine QC assays such as: Western blot, ELISA, endotoxin analysis etc.
● Support inventory & distribution of antibodies under appropriate conditions.
● Organize and maintain laboratory reagents and supplies related to analytical characterization & QC.
● Maintain careful records of all experiments performed, data collected, analyses and the compilation of data in LIMS.
● Provide support in preparing SOPs for new assays.
● Collaborate with the database team to design and record results for analytical assays in LIMS and electronic lab notebooks, eg: Benchling
● Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of internal reports, presentations and peer reviewed scientific publications.
● Attend regular group meetings, exchange ideas, provide suggestions and feedback for overall growth of the team.
● Troubleshoot routine technical problems.
Qualifications
● B.S. or M.S. in chemical or life sciences-based field of study.
● Experience in structural biology, protein biochemistry, analytical chemistry or closely related field of study.
● 1-2 years of hands-on experience in performing analytical HPLC-SEC is required.
● Experience in performing SEC-MALS and knowledge of relevant software for data analysis is highly preferred.
● Hands-on experience in conducting regular assays such as western-blot, ELISA, absorbance measurements, and endotoxin testing is highly preferred.
● Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
● Strong team-player with collaborative spirit motivated to work in a cross-functional setting.
● Enthusiasm with a strong commitment to IPI’s mission and a desire to conduct impactful science.
● High attention to details.
● Strong verbal and written communications skills.
● Basic programming in Python or R is preferred but not required
● Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate within a team-based environment.
IPI provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package to support physical, mental and financial health. Highlights of benefits include:
· 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans
· Flexible spending accounts and a healthcare reimbursement account
· 401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested
· Generous PTO package
· Commuter and parking reimbursement
· Career development opportunities
For more information, visit proteininnovation.org or follow us on social media, @ipiproteins. IPI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization and an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please be advised that you will be required to provide evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. IPI will not guarantee sponsorship of foreign nationals and retains complete discretion regarding providing sponsorship to any prospective or existing employee at time of hire or at any time in the future.
Top Skills
Benchling
Dynamic Light Scattering
Hplc-Sec
Lims
Python
R
Sec-Mals
Institute for Protein Innovation Boston, Massachusetts, USA Office
4 Blackfan Circle, , Boston, Massachusetts , United States, 02115
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