About Addgene
What is Addgene?
Addgene is a nonprofit biorepository "created to help scientists access and share DNA-based research tools called plasmids". It was founded in 2004 to solve what its co-founder calls "the logistical problem of scientific sharing": scientists wanted to share, but there was no system in place. Addgene centralizes the storage and distribution of research materials, handles the material transfer agreements with depositing institutions' technology transfer offices, and makes materials available to any researcher at low cost. Every plasmid in its collection is curated and sequence-verified, and it has since added ready-to-use viral vectors (2016) and recombinant antibodies (2022). Its materials have been requested more than 2 million times and shipped to researchers in 113 countries, enabling discoveries "in fields ranging from neuroscience to plant biology, by making broadly useful tools like CRISPR available to researchers around the world". It also publishes free guides, eBooks, protocols and a blog, a Data Hub and a Developers Portal. Its mission: "to empower scientists by facilitating access to high-quality research materials, tools, and resources."
Where will I work?
Addgene's headquarters is at 490 Arsenal Way in Watertown, Massachusetts, and its roles are hybrid: its current postings ask for at least two or three days a week onsite, depending on the role. The office has free parking, a complimentary shuttle from Harvard Square and several bus lines, and Addgene covers public transit for anyone onsite at least twice a week. Inside are a sunlit kitchen, a puzzle room and space for "physical and mindful breaks", with cold brew and visits from the ice cream truck. On 4dayweek.io we list Addgene's full-time roles, which is where the leave below applies.
What is the Addgene team like?
The team, who call themselves Addgenies, includes research scientists, scientific curators, educators, technology transfer specialists, shipping and operations experts and software engineers. Addgene says it designs projects "with cross-team and cross-level input", that "a manager's role is to support each individual team member while fostering a culture of kindness and respect", and that "Flexibility is key! Your commitments, interests, and time outside of work are respected and celebrated." Its values are supportive culture, continuous evolution, expanded accessibility, constructive collaboration and meaningful connections. It partners with local organizations to source candidates pivoting into the life sciences, organizes Red Sox games, movie nights, trivia, volunteering, book clubs and family gatherings, and has been named a Top Place to Work by the Boston Globe for 9 years running.
Work-Life Balance
"Time off is meant to be taken! Full time Addgenies receive 22 days of paid time off on top of our 11 paid holidays and Winter Break", which comes to 33 days a year before the Winter Break closure. Addgene says its people "encourage and model regular, stress-free use of sick, personal, and vacation time". Part-time staff are on a smaller allowance of 40 hours after their first year.
Perks and Benefits
- 22 days of paid time off plus 11 paid holidays and a Winter Break closure
- An 85% company-paid medical plan, with your entire deductible paid, extending to partners and dependents
- Company-paid dental, life and disability insurance
- A 403(b) retirement account with a 4% company match after 2 years
- Annual lifestyle and professional development stipends
- Public transit fully covered for staff onsite, plus free parking
- On-site weekly yoga and Addgene-sponsored races and sporting events
- Optional yearly one-on-one meetings with a financial planner