Research Associate I

At Adaptive, we’re Powering the Age of Immune Medicine.  Our goal is to harness the power of the adaptive immune system to transform the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.

As an Adapter, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. With Adaptive, you’ll create a career highlight through collaboration with bright, curious colleagues working at the apex of innovation and application.

It’s time for your next chapter. Discover your story with Adaptive.

Position Overview

Adaptive is seeking a Research Associate I with an aptitude for learning to join our dynamic and collaborative R&D Operations team. You will join the high throughput molecular lab team to aid in the development of new and existing assays for cellular and computational biology research across Adaptive.

In this job, you will master a variety of molecular biology techniques and participate in immune system profiling by next generation sequencing jointly with other researchers and computational biologists. As such, high attention to detail and willingness to learn is crucial for success in the role.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Ability to perform assigned molecular assays and troubleshoot with some supervision.
• Ability to process samples at a high throughput level with some supervision.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to deliver high quality data.
• Execute detailed experimental plans to measure assay performance characteristics.
• Responsible for next-generation DNA sequencing library preparation and Illumina sequencer loading.
• Reviewing and analyzing data, interpreting results, and reporting findings to their supervisor.
• Recording experimental information in an electronic lab notebook.
• Participates in routine lab maintenance activities

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, immunology, or similar discipline along with 0-3 years of laboratory experience. 
• Molecular biology skills with RNA and DNA extraction, ddPCR, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR experience required.
• 1+ years’ experience with NGS in any capacity, Illumina experience preferred
• Experience developing assays under design control preferred. 
•  Experience working with human blood, tissues and/or cells as well as proper handling of biohazard material.
• Ability to maintain organized, detailed records and produce accurate reports.
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently, with minimal to no supervision, while also working as part of a team environment in a dynamic organization
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); team player/leader, high sense of urgency, ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, willingness and desire to ‘roll up sleeves’ and do the work vs. delegating constantly.
• Ability to flourish in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong results orientation and change agent. Must be fair, balanced, resilient, decisive and of high authenticity and integrity.
• Computer skills competency including Excel, Word and PowerPoint programs is necessary.

Working Conditions

Job requires working in a lab and may require handling biological material including blood, bone marrow, and tissue. Work occasionally requires flexible and/or extended hours. 

Physical Requirements

Staff may have to periodically spend extended periods of time standing/sitting within the lab while executing repetitive work, which also includes:

• Lift <20 pounds regularly
• Lift >20 pounds occasionally
• Lift/move large freezers and fridges with the assistance of dollies and carts
• Occasionally spend <5 minutes in walk-in -20°C freezer, wearing insulated coat

Constant work in labs, following all guidelines and protective measures.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $26.87 - $29.57

Other compensation elements include:

• equity grant

Interested in this position, but don’t meet all the requirements?  Adaptive is committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams across our organization.  Please consider applying even if your experience doesn’t match all the qualifications; you may be the exact candidate we’re searching for!

Adaptive is not currently sponsoring candidates requiring work authorization support for this position.

Adaptive’s posted compensation information includes a base salary (or hourly rate) range and summary of other available total compensation. The base salary range represents a minimum-to-maximum salary (or hourly rate) available to candidates upon e