Research Associate – Molecular Assay Development (Digital PCR)

Location: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States; laboratory-based onsite position with approximately 80–90% bench work

Salary: $38/hour for a 6-month contract assignment, 40 hours per week, with potential conversion to a full-time role

Company

hirify.global is a precision medicine diagnostics company developing molecular diagnostics, digital health solutions, AI-powered data and analytics, and patient support services for transplant, specialty oncology, and cell therapy.

What you will do

• Execute digital PCR experiments supporting molecular assay development, optimization, verification, and feasibility studies.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, quantification, preparation, and quality assessment for biological samples.
• Generate, document, analyze, and summarize experimental data for scientific leadership.
• Troubleshoot assay performance and contribute to improvements in laboratory workflows and technology development.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, standard operating procedures, and experimental summaries.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, reagents, consumables, inventory, safety practices, and quality standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience performing digital PCR, dPCR, or ddPCR.
• Experience operating digital PCR instrumentation and associated data analysis software.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid-based assay workflows and PCR principles, including DNA and/or RNA extraction and quantification.
• Ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot problems, document work accurately, and communicate results.
• Ability to work onsite in Waltham, Massachusetts, with extensive laboratory and bench work.

Nice to have

• Experience with cfDNA or liquid biopsy assay development.
• qPCR assay development and optimization.
• Next-generation sequencing library preparation and analysis.
• Automated sample processing platforms or regulated laboratory and diagnostic development environments.
• Statistical analysis and data visualization using GraphPad Prism, R, or JMP.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a small, fast-paced, multidisciplinary R&D environment focused on scientific rigor and continuous learning.
• US employee benefits include health and welfare coverage, gym reimbursement, a 401(k) match, employee stock purchase plan, and pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Eligible full-time employees may receive up to 30 days of paid annual leave under the Living Donor Employee Recovery Policy.
• The role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, incentives, and restricted stock units.