Job Description
Position Title: Scientist
Work Location: 225 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA
Assignment Duration: 6 months
Work Schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Work Arrangement: Onsite (5 days/week)
Position Summary:
This is a hands-on lab scientist role with emphasis on:
Cell-based assay execution (PRIMARY NEED)
Supporting analytical and molecular workflows
Background & Context:
Coverage for 2 scientists on maternity leave but only one position for contingent labor Ensuring continuity of lab work + project timelines (The Organization’s Analytical / Assay Development team)
Cell-Based Work (TOP PRIORITY)
Mammalian cell culture
Subculturing / maintenance
Cell treatment / incubation
Molecular Biology
qPCR (explicit requirement)
- Measuring mRNA expression levels
- Knockdown / upregulation analysis
Protein Analysis
Western Blot
ELISA
General Workflow Understanding
Sample prep → assay → data interpretation
NICE-TO-HAVE (NOT PRIMARY FOCUS)
HPLC
LC-MS
Biophysical characterization
Flow cytometry (mentioned lightly / optional)
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Candidates will:
Perform cell culture + treatments
Run transfections / perturbation experiments
Measure: mRNA levels (qPCR) and Protein expression (Western/ELISA)
Execute cell-based assays
Work across multiple concurrent projects
Collaborate across teams
Communicate findings clearly
Experience Level
Target: 1–3 years (ideal)
Acceptable: up to 5 years
PhD: acceptable if hands-on and early career
Education
BS or MS (preferred for budget alignment)
PhD (ONLY if: Directly relevant and Low years of experience)
Other Skills
Collaboration
Multitasking - Comfortable handling: Multiple assays and projects simultaneously
Adaptability - Willing to learn new techniques quickly, Role may differ from prior experience
Motivation / Attitude - Proactive, Curious, Not rigid in skillset
Communication - Able to explain: Data, Experimental outcomes, Team-facing (not isolated)
- For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, click here
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 53.33/hr.