Research Associate 1/2 - Protein Chemistry & Bioconjugation

6 MONTH CONTRACT --- ONSITE IN CAMBRIDGE, MA

Company Summary

Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new field of targeted medicines by exploiting naturally occurring commensal viruses. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for diseases with high unmet medical need.

Ring Therapeutics was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Generate Biomedicines (NASDAQ: GENB) were conceived and created. Since Flagship’s founding in 2000, the firm has originated and fostered the development of more than 100 scientific ventures resulting in more than 500 issued patents and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate I/II to join our Protein Chemistry & Bioconjugation team. This is a hands-on bench role focused on supporting the production, modification, and characterization of antibodies, proteins, and bioconjugates that underpin our targeted therapeutic programs.

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in standard protein workflows and bioconjugation chemistry and can generate high-quality, decision-driving data to advance platform development. Experience with or exposure to ADC or other biologics research and development is particularly desirable. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role requiring scientific independence and a strong focus on delivering well-characterized, high-quality protein and conjugate inputs to enable downstream assay development and candidate selection.

Key Responsibilities

Antibody & Protein Conjugation

• Execute common bioconjugation reactions.
• Prepare and characterize antibody- and protein-conjugated constructs (e.g., fluorophore labeling and payload attachment).
• Perform post-conjugation purification techniques including desalting columns and TFF.

Protein Processing & Characterization

• Perform standard protein analytics and concentration measurements
• Prepare formulation buffers and working reagents
• Conduct buffer exchange and protein concentration

Lab Operations & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate experimental records and SOPs in an electronic lab notebook (ELN)
• Ensure proper inventory management of reagents, consumables, and protein stocks
• Present data clearly and provide actionable recommendations to project teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally with targeting, protein engineering, analytical, and translational teams to ensure materials align with program needs

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related field
  • BS + 1–4 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a biotech, pharma, or academic research setting
  • MS + 0–2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a biotech, pharma, or academic research setting
• Demonstrated proficiency in standard protein workflows:
  • Protein concentration measurement (UV-Vis spectroscopy, BCA, Bradford)
  • Protein characterization techniques (SDS-PAGE, DLS)
  • Buffer preparation and formulation
  • Buffer exchange via dialysis
• Hands-on experience with at least one bioconjugation chemistry approach (e.g., NHS ester, maleimide, click chemistry)
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and rigorous documentation habits
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
• Familiarity with TFF systems including µPulse TFF
• Experience with SEC-HPLC or analytical HPLC for purity/conjugation analysis
• Experience with protein purification workflows including IMAC, SEC, and ion exchange chromatography
• Experience with data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, imageJ)

Key Competencies

• Hands-on proficiency in bench-scale protein chemistry and bioconjugation
• Methodical approach to experimental execution and troubleshooting
• High standards for data quality, reproducibility, and documentation
• Clear, concise communication of technical results to cross-functional team members
• Proactive, team-oriented mindset with flexibility to support evolving project priorities

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Ring Therapeutics.

The pay range for this role is $31 - $45 per hour and the contractor will be employed by a third-party staffing company. Certain employee benefits may be available to the contractor through the staffing company after meeting minimum criteria. Compensation and benefits information is based on Ring Therapeutics, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.