Careers

Job title: Research Protocol Technician
Location: Cambridgeport, Cambridge, MA, USA

Role Summary:

The purpose of this role is to provide data on whether large-language models (LLMs) can assist people with minimal lab experience in performing biology tasks. You will work independently without human instruction over 8 weeks to complete the following tasks with or without access to LLMs:

  • Pipetting

  • Assembling plasmid DNA

  • Growing human cells

  • Producing adeno-associated virus (AAV)

  • Measuring RNA copy number

We will randomly assign you by chance (like the flip of a coin) to receive either access to the internet or access to the internet and an AI model. We will analyze the quality of the materials you generate, the time you take to complete tasks, the number of attempts you make, your internet search history and/or AI chat history, and your responses to questionnaires. We will provide biosafety training, LLM training, a list of starting materials, and a defined end goal. It will be up to you to figure out how to complete the tasks.

Required qualifications:

  • Ability to attend in person onsite from June 26-August 22 from either 8 AM-12 PM or 1-5 PM five days a week Monday through Friday

  • This role is specifically designed to assess how individuals with minimal prior experience learn new biological tasks. Therefore, candidates must not be currently practicing biological laboratory research and must not have significant biological laboratory experience (e.g., more than two weeks in a class, program, or job) in cell culture, molecular cloning, AAV production, or qPCR.

  • Ability to understand and follow complex written technical and safety protocols in English.

  • Ability to effectively document laboratory procedures, results, and methodologies in English.

  • 18+ years or older

  • Willingness to

    • Complete all trainings and questionnaires and comply with lab safety

    • Provide your full attention and best effort at completing the tasks

    • Not interfere in the work of other technicians by discussing study details

    • Only use approved materials while in the lab (e.g., study-provided laptop)

    • Not solicit help from human experts or AI tools outside of work hours

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • This role requires working in a laboratory environment and adhering to all safety protocols.

  • Personal protective equipment and adherence to lab safety practices such as: wearing closed toe shoes, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat are required.

  • The role involves tasks that require the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, either sitting or standing. An employee may need to sit for up to 2 hours and stand for up to 1 hour during a session.

  • The employee must be able to move about inside the lab to access equipment and materials.

  • The employee must be able to handle and manipulate small objects and lab equipment, requiring fine motor skills.

  • The employee may need to lift and/or move objects up to 20 pounds.

Logistics:

  • June 26-August 22 from either 8 AM-12 PM or 1-5 PM

  • Federal holidays (July 4) will be observed

Salary: $24.40/hour with $1,000 completion bonus

How to apply: Apply via this link

About Panoplia Laboratories: We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that evaluates AI-driven biology

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations: Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or gender expression, ancestry, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. is an E-Verify employer.

Panoplia Laboratories, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of this job, please let us know.