About Active Site
Active Site is a nonprofit researching the intersection of AI and biosecurity. AI models are rapidly becoming more capable in biology, amplifying the risk of accidental or intentional misuse. We conduct "uplift" studies, observing participants in real-world wet labs to measure how AI augments human performance in biological experimentation. We use our findings to advance the science of risk assessments and implement concrete mitigations that safeguard the future of AIxBio.
The Role
We are seeking a Research Associate with a background in cell/molecular biology and a strong interest in the intersection of AI and biology. You will contribute to biologics production and experimental analysis as part of our in-person uplift studies. You will own:
Pilot experiments: Validate study designs, including running experiments to estimate feasibility, time, and material requirements in cloning, fermentation, cell culture, viral rescue, and microbial engineering
Biologics production and evaluation: Produce biologics for uplift studies, such as plasmid preps, mammalian/microbial cell banks, DNA fragments, and RNA. Evaluate study samples by running RT-qPCR, HA, plaque, cell viability, luminescence, and colorimetric assays
Lab operations: Collaborate with our Lab Operations Manager to aliquot critical reagents and maintain ordering, inventory, and organization
Trial operations: Assist with trial operations, such as proctoring, biosafety, and equipment troubleshooting
What Success Looks Like
Within the first 3-6 months, you will have:
Contributed to and validated one pilot study, including time, material, and difficulty estimates
Created an efficient aliquotting system for essential reagents
Produced and characterized the initial biologics needed for pilot studies and validated key assays/controls
Led outcome assessment of the biological materials produced in one uplift study
Co-authored one study report
Within the first year, you will have:
Contributed to and validated 3-4 pilot studies
Collaborated with our scientists to implement repeatable SOPs, quality checks, and documentation systems
Presented our work at two external events
Competencies and qualificationsRequired
BA in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field, or equivalent experience
1 year of industry experience reflecting core skills in mammalian cell culture, plasmid preparation, PCR, and RT-qPCR
Preferred
Experience with molecular cloning (Gibson and Golden Gate)
Experience with mammalian cell transfection
Experience with human research or other participant/customer-facing operations (e.g., recruiting/scheduling participants, running study sessions in different settings)
Experience building a non-profit or startup
Enthusiasm about or experience in biosecurity, with the desire to learn fast and orient quickly in a new context.
Great candidates typically embody our core values:
Truth-seeking: We chase the truth in order to keep us on the path to our mission.
Drive: We take initiative and ownership over all our actions in dedication to our mission.
Care: We ultimately do what we do because we care about each other and the world.
If this role sounds exciting and you meet most of the requirements, we'd love to hear from you.
Salary and benefits
This is a full-time, in-person role, reporting to the Scientific Lead and is based in our office in Cambridge, MA. The starting salary range is $65,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on prior experience. We offer:
Comprehensive healthcare coverage:
Medical: 100% Employer-Paid Premiums via UnitedHealthCare.
Dental & Vision: 75% Employer-Paid Premiums via BlueCross BlueShield and Guardian.
4 weeks of PTO
12 weeks of fully-paid parental leave
401(k) with 4% match
Annual professional development budget
Relocation support
Office setup
Work Authorization
This position is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals currently authorized to work in the U.S.
Visa Sponsorship: We welcome candidates on F-1 OPT status and will consider H-1B sponsorship for qualified individuals who are currently residing in the United States. We can only sponsor Change of Status or Transfer petitions and cannot sponsor candidates who are outside the U.S. and would require consular processing.
Our Hiring Process
No fixed deadline. We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis and aim to move quickly. If you're interested, we recommend applying soon.
Step 1 Submit Your Application
Step 2 Screening Call
Step 3 Hiring Manager / Team Interview
Step 4 Paid Remote Work Test
Step 5 In-Person Work Test
Step 6 Offer
Equal Opportunity and Accommodations
Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. (d/b/a Active Site) is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or gender expression, ancestry, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. (d/b/a Active Site) also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. (d/b/a Active Site) is an E-Verify employer. Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. (d/b/a Active Site) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of this job, please let us know.