Senior Research Associate

Description

Predicta is building a molecular insights platform for blood cancer care. From a single blood sample, we generate longitudinal genomic and immune insights that help clinicians and researchers better understand disease biology, guide treatment decisions, and monitor disease evolution over time.

We are seeking highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate with expertise in cell isolation techniques and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to join our team. This individual will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and validating cell-based workflows that power our clinical assays. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, and play a key role in delivering impactful diagnostic results that drive better patient outcomes.

Job Details:

• Perform and optimize multicolor flow cytometry staining and sorting of rare cell populations.
• Develop and refine antibody panels and gating strategies for cell subset identification and enrichment.
• Perform data acquisition, analysis, and documentation using standard flow cytometry software (FlowJo, Sony Cell Sorter software, FCS Express, etc.).
• Establish and maintain best practices for instrument operation, maintenance, performance and data reproducibility for a Sony MA900 (and/or other cell sorters, including spectral, e.g., BD, Cytek, etc.)
• Support flow-based validation studies under CLIA/CAP guidelines, ensuring traceability and documentation compliance.
• Process whole blood, bone marrow, PBMC, and BMMC samples for cell isolation, enrichment, and sorting.
• Support workflows downstream of sorted material including nucleic acid extraction, NGS library prep/sequencing, etc.
• Participate in cross-functional troubleshooting and optimization across clinical, R&D, and computational biology teams.
• Collaborate closely with clinical and R&D teams to ensure seamless tech transfer and testing execution.
• Assist in the development and refinement of laboratory procedures and workflows while maintaining complete and accurate records.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in flow cytometry/FACS (Sony MA900, BD Aria, or equivalent). Significant experience with spectral flow sorters (e.g., Cytek Aurora or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in multicolor (10-20+) flow cytometry panel design, compensation setup, and gating strategy development.
• Skilled in data acquisition and analysis using FlowJo, Sony Cell Sorter software, or comparable tools.
• Preferred to have experience with molecular biology and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows in a research or clinical setting.
• Experience participating in assay validations and implementing quality control measures.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic, startup environment and manage multiple priorities.

Location This position is located in Somerville MA

Why Join Predicta Biosciences? This is a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team advancing precision diagnostics for hematologic cancers. You’ll play a key role in shaping the quality and performance of our clinical testing efforts and contribute directly to patient-impactful innovations.

The annual salary range for this position is $95,000–$115,000, with a 10% bonus opportunity. Base compensation is determined by factors such as experience, skills, education, qualifications, and geographic location. Actual compensation may vary, and new hires are typically not placed at or near the top of the range. Additional benefits include equity, flexible time off, a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage that is 90% paid by Predicta, and a partially company-funded HSA.