Scientist II Translational Immunology

Scientist II Translational Immunology
$47-$50/hr based on medical benefits
Length of Contract: 6 months initial with possibility for extension
Location/Site: Cambridge, MA

Orion Group and a market leading pharmaceutical company are starting 2026 of right with an exciting contract opportunity for Scientists in Cambridge, MA! Our client is in immediate need of candidates experienced with RNAseq library preparation workflows and experience with ligand-based assays like ELISAs, as well as routine lab techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid QC, and PBMC isolation and handling.

Apply today and start the new year in a new and exciting role!

Job Description:
The Immunology R&D organization is hiring for its early discovery team in Cambridge, MA. We are seeking a highly motivated contractor with a passion for learning and excellent attention to detail to join the Functional Immunology and Innovative Technologies team. This scientist will specifically support target identification and validation efforts through various profiling methods and functional experiments in collaboration with different teams within immunology discovery.

Our team is seeking a candidate with existing academic or industry experience in molecular biology, preferably NGS technologies, and who is willing to learn and develop new techniques and learn deep analysis using different approaches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute RNAseq library preparations and QC generated libraries using Tapestation/Qubit instruments.
• Prepare libraries for sequencing and operate Illumina sequencers understanding output and troubleshooting where necessary.
• Perform multiplexed secreted factor measurements using Luminex.
• Perform functional experiments with primary human immune cells including stimulation and cell culture.
• Accurately document project and sample information, protocols, and experimental details through the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
• Conduct experiments, troubleshoot, and optimize protocols independently and in collaboration with colleagues to deliver high-quality data in a timely fashion.
• Interpret findings and communicate effectively to present scientific data, concepts, and recommendations to various internal audiences.
• Interface with computational biologists and data scientists to generate and interpret RNAseq datasets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 4 -5 years of experience, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience.
• Strong background in basic molecular biology and/or genomics with proficiency in molecular biology lab techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and nucleic acid QC, as well as familiarity with primary human cell handling and culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience running end-to-end bulk RNAseq libraries and sequencing.
• Experience with complex cell cultures and stimulations is preferred.
• Familiarity with 10X Genomics platforms, particularly scRNAseq and/or scATACseq, is preferred.
• Background in R is a plus but not required.
• Background in immunology is a plus but not required.

What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position:

1. Experience with RNAseq workflows including library preparation and QC
2. Experience handling PBMCs, primary cells, and/or tissues is required
3. Background in biology, immunology, molecular biology, or other related field
4. Experience with ligand-based assays such as ELISA, MSD or Luminex.

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.