Associate Scientist - NGS
SecureBio is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops pandemic-defense capabilities and evaluates and mitigates AI-enabled biological misuse risks.
Funding history
About SecureBio
SecureBio develops pathogen-agnostic early-warning systems for novel pandemic threats and conducts frontier-AI biosecurity evaluations, benchmarks, and targeted safety-mitigation research.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will execute and optimize end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows at scale, running sequencing instruments and working with third-party vendors. You will improve protocols, implement QA/QC, author SOPs, and document work in an electronic lab notebook. You will help build sequencing capacity, integrate liquid handling and automation tools, support sample and data management systems, own sequencing workflows and ambiguous projects, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to reporting and communication materials. This is a full-time on-site lab role in Cambridge, MA.
Requirements
- MS with 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience; exceptional BS candidates considered
- 3–5 years of hands-on NGS experience
- Hands-on experience operating production-style sequencers (e.g., NovaSeq X Plus), interpreting QC, and troubleshooting
- Ability to manage multiple projects, work cross-functionally, and communicate effectively
- Preferred: experience with challenging or low-input sample types
- Preferred: production-scale experience in industry or core-facility environments
- Preferred: liquid handling automation
- Preferred: familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data analysis pipelines
Responsibilities
- Execute and optimize end-to-end metagenomic sequencing workflows at scale
- Run sequencing instruments and work with third-party vendors
- Improve protocols and implement QA/QC, troubleshoot issues, and drive corrective actions
- Author and revise SOPs
- Document work in the electronic lab notebook and use AI tools to work efficiently
- Contribute to development of internal sequencing capacity
- Partner with engineers and scientists to integrate liquid handling and lab automation tools
- Support sample and data management systems and ensure accurate metadata tracking
- Own sequencing workflows and projects with ambiguous scopes
- Mentor junior team members
- Contribute to internal reporting and external communication materials
Benefits
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Yearly mental health allowance
- Flexible work hours
- Unlimited paid time off
- Minimum 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave
- Fully-paid conference sponsorships
- Yearly development allowance
- Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of salary
- Starting 2027: up to 10% of salary in 401(k) contributions
- Ergonomic office equipment, snacks, and daily catered lunches
- Referral bonus program