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 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
- S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related field
- 1–3+ 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
