Research Associate

About the Role

As a Research Associate at Pilgrim, you’ll run experiments that support ARGUS’s development, from bioaerosol collection through sample preparation, qPCR, and sequencing. You’ll own reagent preparation, sample storage, and consumable inventory. Working with scientists, you’ll troubleshoot unexpected findings and produce reliable data that guides improvements to the system.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments to evaluate sample preparation methods, assay performance, and sequencing workflows.
• Collect bioaerosol samples and process environmental samples through concentration, nucleic acid extraction, and quality checks.
• Prepare and run qPCR assays with appropriate controls to evaluate sample recovery, inhibition, and assay performance.
• Perform genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including library preparation, sequencing-run setup and execution, and quality control.
• Compile results, identify failed controls or inconsistent measurements, and help troubleshoot experiments.
• Own reagent preparation and consumable inventory, including storage, expiration tracking, and replenishment with Supply Chain.
• Document experiments, results, and deviations; update protocols as improvements are tested and confirmed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioengineering, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR or qPCR, and sample quantification.
• Ability to independently execute multistep laboratory protocols and document methods, results, and deviations.
• Experience interpreting assay controls and sample quality measurements to identify failed or unreliable results.

Preferred

• Experience with molecular assay development or validation, sequencing library preparation, nanopore sequencing, or complex environmental samples, including bioaerosols.