Translational Research Technician – Organoid and Drug Screening

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The Fine lab is a Neuro-oncology research group that makes use of complex 3D human brain tumor models (GLICOs:
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) to perform translational research into glioblastoma. We are a diverse, multinational and interdisciplinary team (MD/PhDs, cell/ molecular biologists, veterinarians & bioinformaticians) with a vibrant research and training environment in the Tri-Institutional Campus of New York City. We have secure funding and exceptional access to patient tissue/cell lines, as well as cutting edge scientific resources and training.

The Role

The successful candidate will be trained to work with embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids interfaced with tumor stem cell biology, to facilitate High Throughput drug screenings. They will be a key personnel of the incipient Starr Foundation Cerebral Organoid Translational Core and will report to its supervisor.

In achieving this goal, the candidate will have the opportunity to perform, and receive training in, a wide range of laboratory techniques including: reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell culture, the generation and culture of cerebral organoids and tumor organoids and the use and development of cell based assays to test novel therapeutic drug candidates, and cutting edge gene editing and molecular biology techniques.

They will be an integral member of the lab with the ability to work independently, contribute to experimental design, interpret and present your results to the wider team, and receive recognition through authorship on published work.

Job responsibilities

• Collect and process biological patient specimens to establish glioma stem cell lines.
• Perform routine human iPSC/ESC culture.
• Generation and maintenance of hESC-derived cerebral organoids.
• Perform 2D and 3D high-throughput drug screening using luminescence-based assays.
• Prepares and maintains detailed records, logs and summary reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
• May run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.
• May perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, DNA electrophoresis, cloning and DNA preparation.
• May perform microscopic imaging analyses.

• Commitment to delivering meaningful advancements that directly enhance patient care and well-being.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field (e.g. cell/ molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry) or equivalent practical experience.

• One year ‘wet lab’ work experience, including mammalian cell culture.

• Strong teamwork skills with a proven ability to effectively interact and collaborate with other

scientific disciplines.

• Must currently be authorized to work in the United States to ensure immediate onboarding and integration into the team.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in a relevant technical field (e.g. cell/ molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry).

• Experience culturing human stem cells (hESCs/ iPSCs) and 3D models.

• Significant hands-on cell based assays for high throughput drug screening.

• Experience generating stable, genetically engineered cell lines; working with lentivirus.

• Experience in biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.

The position will be subject to annual approvals based on performance, with a starting salary commensurate with qualification and experience. It will require flexibility to work a few hours twice per month over the weekend given the nature of cerebral organoid generation procedures. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender dysphoria, national origin, age, religion, disability, military and veteran status, marital or parental status, citizenship status,…