Research Associate

About Finch

Finch is unlocking the therapeutic potential of the microbiome via a human-first drug discovery platform. We support clinical studies that intentionally manipulate the microbiome to investigate causality in diseases that are otherwise poorly understood. Using high-throughput molecular data from clinical studies and ex-vivo experiments, we identify specific strains that drive clinical phenotypes and responses to microbial therapies. Our team values transparency, integrity, humility, and collaboration, and we intend to have fun while maximizing our ability to make an impact on patients’ lives. We are searching for passionate teammates eager to support this mission. 

At Finch, you can expect to engage deeply in the core of our mission. You will grow with a dynamic, rapidly expanding organization, and have an opportunity to contribute to cutting edge research that will truly impact patients’ lives. We offer a competitive compensation package plus healthcare and other benefits. As we grow, there will be opportunities for promotion and professional development.

 

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Associate to support our Molecular Microbiology team with the functional characterization as well as screening of fecal microbiota in our IBD program. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

●     Synthesize existing datasets to inform hypotheses for mechanisms underlying the efficacy of microbial interventions in the treatment of IBD

●     Facilitate provision of inputs for data scientists to test these hypotheses in silico using large molecular and clinical datasets

●     Support the development of new in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to assess host-microbial interactions and immunological effects mediated by fecal microbiota

●     Design scalable implementation of assays for high-throughput screening

●     Identify opportunities to optimize workflows and increase efficiency

●     Facilitate collection and biobanking of stool samples for developmental work

●     Process stool and bacterial cultures for assay characterization

●     Work in and maintain an anaerobic chamber

●     Support the development of SOPs 

Qualifications

●     Bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of relevant experience in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, or a related field

●     Capable of independent work and willing to take initiative

●     Excellent problem-solving skills required

●     Detail-oriented and open to feedback

●     Responsible and reliable, capable of maturity in handling confidential information

●     Passion, humility, and excitement for doing whatever it takes to drive research forward

●     Must be legally eligible for work in the United States

 

Desired Skills & Experience

·         Microbial culture

o   Aseptic technique

o   Micro-pipetting

o   Media preparation

o   Anaerobic culture

·         Immunology/cell biology assays

o   Human cell culture

o   Metabolic assays

o   ELISA

o   Luminex

 

More About Finch

Here at Finch, we strive to create the best work environment and experience for you through our formal benefits programs and fringe perks. Together, we hope that we'll create a fun & supportive environment in and out of the workplace as we strive to create a new class of therapeutics together to help patients. 

• Our formal benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield in addition to life insurance and long-term & short-term disability policies. We offer discretionary and flexible paid time off policies. Should you choose to start a family while working at Finch, we aspire to lead our peers by offering several months of paid parental leave. We also offer a generous non-discretionary 401K contribution to help teammates save for life beyond Finch in the future and other savings and investment opportunities.
   
• We also try to keep the workplace an inspiring and motivating place to work with our fringe perks. Our new facilities in Somerville, MA include an in-office gym with a shower and towel service, fully stocked kitchen with free snacks, iced coffee & flavored and still waters on tap, highly subsidized meals through LeanBox, and free lunches on Fridays. We offer a discount to a local gym (Brooklyn Boulders) and sponsor ride-sharing to and from the office from preset locations around Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. We are always evaluating our fringe perks and hope to grow them alongside our team.