Associate Scientist

Piper Companies is seeking an Associate Scientist for a clinical stage gene therapy start-up located in Durham, North Carolina (NC). This Associate Scientist will have the exciting opportunity to be a part of a fast-growing startup and enjoy a dynamic role where responsibilities evolve with the company’s needs, offering variety, impact, and room to innovate. This is an on-site position in Durham, NC.

Responsibilities of the Associate Scientist: 

• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques (DNA/RNA purification, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, JESS/WES).
• Maintain and transfect/transduce mammalian cell lines for plasmid and vector characterization.
• Design and execute cloning workflows (restriction enzyme cloning, Gibson assembly).
• Record procedures and results in ELN to support nonclinical study reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on vector construct development and in vitro testing.

Qualifications for the Associate Scientist:

• Bachelor’s in life sciences with 4–5 years industry experience, Master’s with 2–3 years, or PhD with relevant research background.
• Skilled in molecular cloning, plasmid prep, PCR assays, and gel electrophoresis.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell line engineering, and transfection.
• Familiarity with ELN tools (e.g., Benchling) and molecular biology software for cloning and sequence analysis.
• Experience with western blotting techniques
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced lab with minimal supervision.

Compensation for the Associate Scientist:

• Salary Range:
• Comprehensive Benefits: Sick leave if required by law, medical, dental, vision, 401K

This job opens for applications on 11/10/2025. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: Associate Scientist, gene therapy, Benchling, mammalian cell culture, HEK293, DNA purification, RNA purification, molecular cloning, plasmid prep, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, JESS/WES, Gibson Assembly, restriction enzyme cloning, sequence analysis, transfection, transduction, cell line engineering, ELN, in vitro assays, vector characterization, western blotting, protein analysis, biotechnology, nonclinical studies

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