layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Molecular Biology Research Associate at Active Site | LAYIQ

About Active Site

Active Site is a research nonprofit studying how frontier AI changes what people can accomplish in the physical biology lab.

Rather than relying only on benchmarks or hypothetical assessments, we run real-world experiments to measure AI's impact on biological research.

Our recent work includes the largest and longest in-person randomized controlled trial to date examining AI assistance in molecular biology. Active Site's research on AI and biological capabilities has been featured or cited in the Economist

, the New York Times

, and

Nature.

If you want to work on questions at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and real-world safety

, this is an opportunity to contribute directly to that research.

What you'll do

You'll own an independent research project from experimental design through validation focused on DNA assembly.
Your work may include: Designing DNA sequences, fragments, primers, and assembly strategies
Setting up and troubleshooting PCR
Running and interpreting agarose gels
Purifying DNA and preparing samples for sequencing
Analyzing sequencing results and alignments in tools like Benchling
Performing molecular cloning
Working with frontier AI tools such as Claude Code, Codex, and Biomni to help reason through experimental design and troubleshoot results
This role is intentionally high-autonomy
. You'll have access to our new, state-of-the-art laboratory and the resources needed to execute your project, but you'll be expected to make your own day-to-day experimental decisions rather than rely on step-by-step technical assistance.
You'll work alongside other research associates, but each associate will independently own their experimental strategy and work.
Who we're looking for The most important qualification is real, hands-on experience working independently with DNA.
Minimum experience
You should have independently: Set up and run PCR reactions
Run agarose gels and interpreted the results
Troubleshot experiments when amplification didn't work as expected
We're looking for someone who understands what they're doing at the bench — not someone who has only encountered PCR as part of a class or followed a protocol once or twice. You should be able to look at a gel, distinguish a clean band from a smear or failed amplification, and reason about what you would try next.
Strong plus, but not required
We're especially interested in candidates who have gone further and independently owned DNA manipulation or molecular cloning workflows, including experience with some of the following:
Optimizing PCR conditions or performing techniques such as touchdown PCR
Gel extraction and DNA purification
Preparing DNA for sequencing and analyzing sequencing results
Sequence alignment or construct verification in Benchling or similar software
Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, or restriction enzyme–based cloning
Bacterial transformation, culture, and plasmid mini-preps
Designing and troubleshooting a cloning strategy from beginning to end
Molecular cloning experience is a strong advantage, but it is not required.
Independent PCR and gel electrophoresis experience are the core technical requirements.
Background
You should hold or currently be pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. Currently enrolled PhD students are also welcome.
We're especially interested in people who enjoy troubleshooting experiments, learning quickly, working independently, and figuring things out when the first attempt doesn't work.
Key details
Location: On-site in Somerville, MA (East Somerville / Inner Belt)
Dates: September 28–December 18, 2026
Schedule: 4 hours/day, Monday–Friday. Choose one consistent shift:
8:45 AM–12:45 PM
1:15 PM–5:15 PM

Molecular Biology Research Associate

Employer job description

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About Active Site

What you'll do

Compensation:

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We've intentionally kept the process short:

Equal opportunity and accommodations

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