Applied Research Associate

Applied Research Associate

JPMorgan Chase is seeking an Associate Molecular Biologist to join their corporate strategic foresight team. This role will explore the intersection of biology and computing, focusing on its potential for computing, storage, and security applications. You will design and execute experiments, analyze results, and provide clear recommendations to senior stakeholders to inform technology roadmap decisions. This position offers the opportunity to shape internal perspectives on cutting-edge areas like DNA-based storage, molecular computation, and molecular cryptography.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to assess the feasibility, constraints, and performance of molecular computing and DNA-based storage concepts.
• Define hypotheses, success metrics, and test plans aligned with 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.
• Manage 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.
• 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.

Key Skills/Competency

• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology
• DNA Storage
• Molecular Computing
• Experimental Design
• Data Analysis
• Scientific Communication
• Research
• Strategic Foresight
• Biochemistry