Summary

Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.

Job description

Key Roles/Responsibilities

Design and build reagents for gene editing experiments
Testing gene editing reagents in cultured cells
Isolating nucleic acids from edited culture cells and performing downstream molecular biology assays (e.g. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR))
Preparing DNA input for high throughput Illumina sequencing
Analysis and interpretation of results from gene editing experiments

Basic Qualifications

Possession of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
In addition to education requirements, a minimum of two (2) years of experience in laboratory molecular biology
Experience in maintaining and manipulating cultured cells using sterile techniques
Experience in designing and performing PCR experiments
Experience with meticulous note-taking to maintain accurate and precise records
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Gene editing (Zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or CRISPR technologies)
Illumina sequencing – preparing DNA sequencing libraries
Plasmid DNA cloning
Excellent written and oral communications skills – primary author publications and/or oral presentations

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in laboratory molecular biology
Experience in maintaining and manipulating cultured cells using sterile techniques
Experience in designing and performing PCR experiments
Experience with meticulous note-taking to maintain accurate and precise records
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Gene editing (Zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or CRISPR technologies)
Illumina sequencing – preparing DNA sequencing libraries
Plasmid DNA cloning
Excellent written and oral communications skills – primary author publications and/or oral presentations

Benefits

Health and Wellness Programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement Benefits

Company overview

Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.