Research Associate, NGS Assay Development

Biohub

Research Associate focusing on molecular biology and cell engineering workflows at Biohub. Collaborating in the Virtual Immune System initiative to advance scientific discovery.

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $70,000 - $79,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform molecular biology workflows including bacterial culture, plasmid cloning, mini/midi preps, and construct verification to generate reagents for cell engineering experiments.
Maintain mammalian cell lines (Jurkat, 293T, K562) including passaging, selection, and banking — serving as a reliable backbone for ongoing assay development.
Produce and package lentiviral vectors, troubleshoot viral production workflows, and execute transduction experiments.
Execute single-cell genomics and sequencing workflows, including 10x Genomics library preparation and next-generation sequencing library QC.
Perform flow cytometry experiments for immune cell phenotyping and functional assays.
Design, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols and SOPs, proactively identifying bottlenecks and opportunities to improve throughput, reliability, or efficiency.
Maintain rigorous documentation of protocols, experimental conditions, results, and reagent inventory and take ownership of lab operations logistics including ordering and cataloging.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree in biology, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field with 2-4 years of hands-on research experience, or a Bachelor's with equivalent additional experience.
Proficiency in core molecular biology and cell engineering workflows, including bacterial culture, plasmid cloning, mammalian cell line maintenance, and lentiviral production, with the ability to troubleshoot.
Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and instrument operation.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail across multi-step, multi-day experimental workflows — including documentation, reagent management, and coordination.
A proactive, ownership-oriented approach — you identify bottlenecks, propose solutions, and communicate clearly in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Nice to have:
Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation or single-cell genomics platforms (particularly 10x Genomics).
Familiarity with T cell biology, TCR biology, or high-throughput screening assays.
Basic programming skills (Python and/or R) for data processing and QC.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
Funding for select family-forming benefits.
Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

molecular biologybacterial cultureplasmid cloningmammalian cell line maintenancelentiviral productionflow cytometrynext-generation sequencingsingle-cell genomics10x Genomicsexperimental protocol design

Soft Skills

organizational skillsattention to detailproactive approachproblem-solvingcommunication skillscollaborationownership-oriented mindset