• Project/division: Nucleic Acid Observatory
• Start date: as soon as possible
• Status: full-time SecureBio employee
• Starting compensation: $65,000 to $80,000; we may make exceptions for outstanding candidates
• Work location: In-person in Boston, MA
• Reports to: Dr. Olivia Hershey
• Application deadline: January 31st, 2025, 23:59 EST (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
• Application form: apply here. We will review applications on a rolling basis.

The Nucleic Acid Observatory (NAO), a project of the research non-profit SecureBio, aims to pioneer reliable, pathogen-agnostic early warning of potentially catastrophic pandemics, particularly those that would be especially difficult to detect via other methods. We are seeking a laboratory technician to join our wet lab team.

While other biosurveillance programs are focused on known pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the NAO is focused on detecting new and unknown pathogens as quickly and sensitively as possible. That means taking a new approach to biosurveillance, with a strong emphasis on deep short- and long-read metagenomic sequencing of wastewater and other sample types.

This individual will be responsible for extracting nucleic acids from biosurveillance samples (from wastewater, swabs, and other sources) and preparing them into libraries for metagenomic sequencing on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencers. In addition to laboratory skills, this job also calls for careful record keeping and good communication skills.

• Carry out established procedures for processing incoming wastewater and other sample types, including concentration and nucleic acid extraction;
• Prepare short- and long-read sequencing libraries (e.g. Illumina, Nanopore) from incoming samples for routine biosurveillance, as well as for protocol evaluation & improvement;
• Follow good biosafety and biosecurity practices: dispose of old samples according to EHS guidelines, maintain a clean & safe working environment, etc.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sample quantification (e.g., using Qubit or Nanodrop).

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining accurate lab records.

• Ability to follow established protocols meticulously and adapt to new ones as needed.

• Comfortable and willing to carry out BSL2+ laboratory work involving wastewater, respiratory swabs, and other samples that may contain viruses and other pathogens. Training and ongoing support will be provided to ensure safe handling of all materials.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction and library preparation for next-generation sequencing.

• Experience working with wastewater, respiratory swabs, air samples, or other biosurveillance samples.

• Familiarity with both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms.

• Previous experience in metagenomics or working with complex microbial communities.