Research Associate II, Pilot Project and Target Validation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a leading healthcare nonprofit organization like no other. For decades, we have been taking major steps and pioneering new ways to advance the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

We are the global leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis and nearly every CF drug and therapy available today was made possible because of CF Foundation support. We did this not only for the close to 40,000 people living in the U.S. with CF - and the estimated 105,000 people worldwide - but for the people with CF and families who have worked tirelessly to support the mission.

These achievements have required dedication and unwavering commitment from a talented team of CF Foundation employees. We promote an environment that attracts -- and retains -- a diverse group of talented people who are passionate about eradicating this disease . Join us and you will join an amazing team, devoted to our community, and our mission.

Position Description

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CF Foundation) and its employees embrace their commitment to its core values. These core values are the pillars on which the CF Foundation stand and will continue to sustain us as we move forward.

* Keep sight of what really matters: Our decisions are based on what is best for people with cystic fibrosis and their families.


* Aspire for excellence in all we do: We take pride in our work. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement.


* Stronger together: We collaborate and work together so that we can learn more and achieve more.


* Innovate with courage: We embrace challenges. We reach beyond boundaries in pursuit of our vision.


* Care about our people: We deeply care about each other and all who support our shared mission. We listen with respect. We support one another.



We are a nonprofit, donor-supported organization that has raised and invested billions of dollars to help develop cystic fibrosis therapies that have changed the lives of people with this disease. Nearly every CF medicine available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The CF Foundation Therapeutics Lab is a state-of-the-art research lab in Lexington, MA (greater Boston) with approximately 40 employees. The Lab is part of the non-profit CF Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for everyone with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). As a non-profit, the Lab is uniquely positioned between academia and industry and has frequent and vibrant interactions with both.

The Pilot Project and Target Validation (PPTV) group is looking for an experienced Research Associate II to support the discovery of novel gene candidates which may lead to innovative therapeutic approaches to treat nonsense mutations creating a premature termination codon (PTC) in the CFTR cDNA. The candidate will also be part a project aiming to identify the most favorable lung cell type to be targeted for functional CFTR restauration.

The candidate will perform day-to-day duties using molecular biology techniques (e.g. gene cloning to generate recombinant plasmids, PCR, RT/Q.PCR, and site directed mutagenesis). Complete mammalian cell transfection/transduction and apply biochemical/immunochemical techniques (e.g. SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and FACS) for characterization. Complete tissue culture duties as required to support the needs of the group.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Perform laboratory experiments using standard techniques and equipment under minimal supervision.


* Troubleshooting and quality control of experimental activities while under the minimal supervision.


* Performs related lab maintenance, such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies.


* Performs data processing, QC and analysis, present experimental results for discussion with supervisor.


* Maintain reporting of research efforts, organize data and results for presentations, posters, and meetings including written materials, images, and figure production.



KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

* B.S. with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a Life Sciences research laboratory.


* Solid experience with modern molecular biology and generation of recombinant plasmids (e.g. Gibson assembly, T5EA infusion cloning, RT-Q. and PCR).


* Excellent attention to detail.


* Inquisitiveness and willingness to learn new technology.


* Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills.


* Detail-oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a dynamic team.



REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

* Reports to the Scientist II. No direct reports.



WORKING CONDITIONS:

* Commute to lab every workday. Must have access to reliable transportation.


* Occasional weekend work in the lab.


* Annual/Bi-annual travel to scientific or technology-focused meetings as necessary.


* Sitting, bending, reaching, and walking.


* Ability to lift heavy objects (not to exceed 30 lbs.) for set-up of lab equipment.



The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days or until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly if interested.

Total Rewards: The CF Foundation is committed to offering competitive compensation (base pay and incentive), benefits, and professional development opportunities that maximize our ability to recruit, retain, reward, and motivate a highly-qualified and diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous time-off and leave policies; a holistic well-being program; health savings and flexible spending accounts; employer-provided life and disability insurance; retirement savings benefits; and a variety of work-life benefits to support employees and their family members.

The CF Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to being an employer of choice, not just a good place to work, but a great and inclusive place to work. We strive to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, physical or mental disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, genetic information or testing, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or any characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations: The CF Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at HROps@cff.org.