Bench Scientist (Cell-Based Assays / HTS)
Employer: A global biotech/pharma (Randstad listing).
Location: Cambridge, MA (in-person; local to lab).
Pay: $46.00–$48.59 per hour.
Type: Contract — Bench scientist / assay scientist (cell-based functional assays, high-throughput screening)
What You’ll Do:
Design and execute biochemical and cell-based functional assays to support hit-to-lead discovery, run high-throughput screening and automation workflows (liquid handling, 384/1536-well formats), analyze data and present results at team meetings, and collaborate across project teams to advance biologics programs.
Why It Stands Out:
• Strong hourly rate for a contract bench role in Cambridge ($46–$48.59/hr).
• Hands-on exposure to HTS and a variety of detection platforms (ELISA/DELFIA, HTRF, FACS, cell-based reporter and cytotoxicity assays).
• Work that meaningfully contributes to biologics discovery—good for scientists who want assay design and data-analysis experience.
Potential Trade-offs:
• Contract role — not permanent; confirm contract length and conversion potential with the recruiter.
• Senior experience expected (Bachelor +5 years or Master’s +3 years) — not an entry-level posting.
• Standard 9–5 schedule may apply; assay campaigns can bring busy periods and overtime.
Requirements / Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree with ~5+ years’ relevant experience (or Master’s +3 yrs).
• Proven cell-culture skills (maintain multiple cell lines), assay design/validation, HTS automation experience (e.g., Beckman I-Series), familiarity with HTRF/ELISA/FACS and data tools (GraphPad, GeneData), and LIMS exposure.
Here is the link to view more job details or apply.
This role is a strong match if you want high-level assay design and HTS exposure, command of cell-based techniques, and a well-paid contract opportunity in Cambridge. Would you take this job—or should I pull a permanent/entry-level cell-culture role instead?