Category: Life Science

Employment Type: Contract

Reference: BH-372672

Research Scientist - Structural Biologist needed for a contract opportunity with Yoh Scientific's client located in Waltham, MA.

This position is a hands-on, laboratory-based role in a highly collaborative research environment. This position is also part of a major pharmaceutical company, and requires a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a closely-related discipline. Schedule is full-time M-F (7am-8am start time, 8 hour shift) and may require flexibility to work some evenings and overtime due to projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The candidate is expected to perform EM experiments to elucidate antigen/antibody structures as well as to design novel antigens using structure-based design principles.
• The candidate is expected to prepare negative staining EM samples and perform data collection and data analysis using cryoSparc or equivalent.
• The candidate will participate in the cryo-EM sample preparation & optimization, grid screening and data collection using cryogenic electron microscope (Glacios and Krios).
• The candidate will perform cryo-EM data processing and model building. The work might further extend to X-ray crystallography if needed.
• The work involves the interpretation of biochemical results of antigen-antibody complexes (ELISA, SPR, BLI etc).
• The work also involves the data analysis for protein quality (SEC, DSF, DSC etc).
• The candidate is expected to generate in-silico structural model using Alphafold or other protein modeling algorithms.
• The candidate is expected to have a solution-focused, team-oriented mindset and will interact closely with other investigators in research and development of novel vaccine candidates.
• This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role in a highly collaborative research environment.
• Role will require planning, designing, executing, interpreting, and presenting data in an effective and scientific manner.
• Participate in scientific discussions focusing on current technology of structural biology.
• Maintain detailed records and communicate progress and challenges, as necessary.
• Perform timely electronic laboratory notebook entries, review and submission for completed experiments.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or closely-related discipline.
• A background in structural biology is required.
• Experience with cryo-EM sample preparation and grid clipping is required.
• Experience with cryo-EM data processing and model building is required.
• Deep knowledge and hands on experience with the biochemical and biophysical tools (SPR, BLI, DSF, SEC etc.).
• Ability to independently design, plan and execute scientific studies, including operation and maintenance of relevant instruments and troubleshooting are required.
• Advanced skill in structural viewing program such as Pymol is required.
• Experience in structure-based antigen design is required.
• Familiarity with viral fusion protein and antibody biology is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills are needed.