Research Specialist - Cell Culture

Cell Culture Specialist

This position will support drug discovery with a focus on cell line maintenance, differentiation and characterization. In addition, the successful candidate will initiate and propagate cell lines, bank and sterility test newly acquired lines and engineered lines, manage inventory and distribute flasks or cryovials.

He or she will conduct laboratory procedures in compliance with established protocols and regulatory and laboratory requirements. The candidate will work closely with other scientists across functional teams, providing critical cell culture support for lead identification and lead optimization programs.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

• Prepare cell culture media and reagents, and perform cell banking, sterility testing, and quality control on newly acquired and engineered cell lines.
• Initiate, propagate, and maintain primary cells and commonly used research cell lines using strong aseptic technique to keep cultures free of contamination.
• Perform cell differentiation, transfection, and characterization to support lead identification and lead optimization programs.
• Develop and run cell-based assays, troubleshooting protocols and optimizing conditions as needed.
• Operate and maintain the CompacT SelecT automated cell culture system (Sartorius TAP), including routine upkeep and performance checks.
• Manage labware, equipment, and consumable inventory, coordinating ordering and maintenance so the lab stays adequately stocked and operational.
• Distribute cell flasks and frozen cell vials to scientists across functional teams, tracking inventory and keeping accurate records.
• Develop and characterize 3D cell culture models and organoids to expand the team’s in vitro capabilities.
• Conduct all laboratory procedures in compliance with established protocols and applicable regulatory and laboratory requirements.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.

• Excellent aseptic technique.
• Hands‑on cell culture experience, including developing standard operating procedures for the growth, maintenance, and manipulation of primary cells and commonly used research cell lines kept free of contamination.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a fast paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• B.S. or M.S. degree in life sciences with at least 2 years of relevant bench work experience.

• Knowledge of cell line differentiation and characterization.
• Experience with 3D culture and organoids.
• Experience with flow cytometry and laboratory robotics.

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, hazardous chemicals.

Annual compensation range: $80,000 to $87,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.