Research Associate I

Position Summary:

Lumen is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented Research Associate I.

The Research Associate I will work with and support scientists in the protein sciences team. The work will involve several projects aimed at developing protein therapeutics for expression in Lumen’s spirulina-based platform, protein expression using various expression systems, protein purification, and protein characterization to enable Lumen’s therapeutic goals.

The candidate is expected to conduct molecular biology and protein biochemistry activities, including protein expression, SDS-PAGE analysis, affinity chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography. The individual is also expected to independently perform and learn new laboratory techniques, use specialized laboratory instruments, perform delicate manual procedures, follow standard laboratory protocols and record and report accurate and reliable data using Lumen’s electronic Lab notebook system.

The position requires strong organizational skills and meticulous laboratory record keeping. Effective communication skills are crucial. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The major tasks for this position are as follows:

• Prepare working and stock reagents used for protein expression, purification and analysis.
• Protein expression and purification in bacterial, spirulina and mammalian systems following standard protocols or optimizing protocols with guidance from supervising scientists.
• Analysis of protein expression using SDS-PAGE and other biochemistry techniques.
• Use of affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography methods and gravity filtration techniques to purify proteins.
• Assess protein quality using methods including size exclusion chromatography.
• Measure protein concentration using established protocols or optimize protocols with guidance from supervising scientists.
• Follow established protocols for various assays and help optimize and/or develop new protocols as needed.
• Proper and timely reporting of data to supervisors and team members.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, protocols, instruments, and software.
• Work well independently and in collaboration with various teams in the organization.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized laboratory notebooks.
• Respect laboratory safety policies and practices.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties, activities, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Desired and Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience: 

• BA/BS degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related field of study
• 2-4 years’ experience in molecular biology applied science.

Successful candidate will have the following attributes: 

• Molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Experience in protein expression using various expression platforms including bacterial systems preferred.
• Experience performing high throughput protein expression preferred.
• Experience with chromatography using AKTA and Unicorn required
• Well-organized and detail-oriented with strong technical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and proven ability to multitask 
• Capable of supporting multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven and fast-changing environment 
• Self-starter, able to discern problems in advance and work proactively toward resolution  
• The ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively collaborate across multiple teams 
• High integrity and ethics 
• Commitment to quality and timely delivery of results 
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint 

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods of time (2 or more hours). 
• The position also requires standing on feet for extended periods of time.  
• Occasionally lift or carry up to 50 lbs. with assistance. 
• Perform delicate manual procedures in the laboratory 

The pay rate for this position is between $27 to $30 per hour.