Applied Research Associate

You’ll explore how biology could become a new substrate for computing, storage, and security. In this role, you’ll run hands-on experiments, translate results into clear implications, and help leaders make informed technology roadmap decisions.

As an Associate Molecular Biologist in a corporate strategic foresight team, you will design and execute experiments that evaluate frontier biotechnology concepts with potential computing and security applications. You’ll pair strong lab execution with clear, decision-ready communication for senior stakeholders. You’ll help shape internal perspectives on emerging areas such as DNA-based storage, molecular computation, and molecular cryptography.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments to assess feasibility, constraints, and performance of molecular computing and DNA-based storage concepts
• Define hypotheses, success metrics, and test plans aligned to long-horizon technology questions and decision needs
• Translate experimental outcomes and biological concepts into concise, executive-ready readouts and recommendations
• Conduct horizon scanning across academic and industry research to identify weak signals, opportunity areas, and emerging risks
• Contribute to scenario development, opportunity briefs, and risk/ethics considerations related to biological and computational convergence
• Operate day-to-day lab activities, including inventory, consumables planning, and equipment readiness
• Create, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures and version-controlled protocols
• Maintain rigorous documentation, including experiment logs, reproducibility notes, and appropriate chain-of-custody records when required
• Support safety, compliance, and risk assessment processes in line with applicable requirements
• Coordinate with external partners and vendors to extend wet-lab execution capacity and track deliverables against timelines
• Maintain awareness of relevant ecosystems (labs, startups, and consortia) and support relationship-building with external experts

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related field
• Hands-on wet-lab experience with strong foundational knowledge of DNA/RNA systems and core molecular biology methods
• Demonstrated ability to frame testable hypotheses, define measurable success criteria, and interpret experimental results
• Ability to communicate complex scientific topics clearly to non-specialist, cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong documentation discipline, including accurate lab notebooks, protocol control, and reproducibility practices
• Working knowledge of lab safety practices and comfort operating within structured safety and quality expectations
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities with attention to detail and follow-through

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

• Experience with DNA data storage, DNA computing, molecular cryptography, or closely related research areas
• Experience building proofs of concept in ambiguous problem spaces where constraints and requirements evolve
• Familiarity with translating technical findings into strategic implications, decision memos, or executive updates
• Experience coordinating external labs, vendors, or academic collaborations
• Comfort engaging with emerging research communities and synthesizing trends into concise insights