Senior Research Associate

Job Description

This Research Associate role focuses on hands-on work with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to support stem cell and disease modeling initiatives. You will maintain, culture, and characterize human iPSC lines while contributing to process development and, where applicable, bioreactor-based scale-up activities. This position offers significant laboratory exposure to advanced cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and qPCR in a highly collaborative research environment that values scientific curiosity and continuous learning.

This role is 100% onsite and offers either a Thursday-Monday or Friday-Tuesday schedule. The position is 40 hours per week. If there is less work on the weekends, employees may make up those hours during the week to maintain a guaranteed 40-hour work schedule.

Responsibilities

+ Maintain, culture, and expand human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines using robust aseptic techniques.

+ Characterize iPSC lines using cell characterization methods such as flow cytometry and qPCR to assess quality, identity, and phenotype.

+ Perform routine mammalian cell culture, with a strong emphasis on human stem cell culture, to support ongoing research programs.

+ Execute and support cell-based assays to evaluate cell function, differentiation status, and experimental outcomes.

+ Apply sterile processing practices to ensure contamination-free cell culture workflows and maintain high laboratory standards.

+ Support stem cell and disease modeling initiatives by preparing, analyzing, and documenting experimental data.

+ Contribute to process development activities for stem cell culture, including optimization of media, culture conditions, and workflow efficiency.

+ Assist with bioreactor-based workflows and scale-up activities for iPSC culture and differentiation, as needed.

+ Participate in the differentiation of iPSCs into downstream cell types according to project requirements and protocols.

+ Support translational research or therapeutic development programs by executing experiments aligned with project objectives.

+ Follow and promote GMP-like laboratory practices to maintain compliance with internal quality standards.

+ Collaborate closely with other scientists and research staff, sharing results, troubleshooting issues, and refining experimental approaches.

+ Take ownership of assigned projects and experiments, ensuring accurate documentation, data integrity, and timely communication of findings.

+ Contribute ideas for process improvements, experimental design, and new methodologies within the research group.

Essential Skills

+ Direct, hands-on experience maintaining and culturing human iPSC cell lines in a research setting.

+ Strong mammalian cell culture skills, with specific expertise in stem cell culture.

+ Proficiency with cell characterization techniques, including flow cytometry.

+ Proficiency with qPCR for gene expression or characterization assays.

+ Demonstrated aseptic technique and sterile processing experience in a laboratory environment.

+ Ability to perform and support cell-based assays related to stem cell and disease modeling.

+ Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.

+ Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and communicate results clearly.

+ Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex experimental protocols and documentation requirements.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with process development (PD) related to stem cell or iPSC culture.

+ Bioreactor operation or scale-up experience, preferably involving stem cells or iPSCs.

+ Experience differentiating iPSCs into downstream cell types.

+ Experience supporting translational research or therapeutic development programs.

+ Knowledge of GMP-like laboratory practices and quality-focused workflows.

+ Experience in research and development (R&D) environments.

+ Interest in contributing to process improvements, new methodologies, and innovative experimental approaches.

+ Motivation to work with cutting-edge human iPSC technology and advanced cell-based applications.

Work…