Umbilical Cord Tissue Stem Cell Biologist

Senior Stem Cell Biologist – UC-MSC Isolation & Expansion

Location:

Scottsdale, AZ

Innate Healthcare Institute

Applicants must have direct, hands‑on experience isolating and expanding umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) from cord tissue.

Experience limited to iPSCs, ESCs, or general “stem cell culture” without UC tissue processing will not be considered.

Innate Healthcare Institute is expanding its in‑house cellular bioprocessing capabilities and is seeking a Stem Cell Biologist with demonstrated expertise in umbilical cord tissue dissection, UC‑MSC isolation, and large‑scale expansion for clinical‑intent applications.

This is a hands‑on laboratory role focused on building robust, reproducible UC‑MSC production workflows using research‑grade processes with clinical intent. The ideal candidate has experience scaling MSC cultures to high cell numbers and understands the technical, biological, and operational challenges of cord‑derived MSC manufacturing.

• Perform umbilical cord tissue processing and dissection, including Wharton’s jelly isolation
• Isolate and expand UC‑MSCs using aseptic technique
• Scale MSC cultures from primary tissue through high cell number production
• Optimize and maintain expansion workflows (flask, multilayer, or bioreactor systems)
• Develop and document SOPs for:
  • UC‑MSC expansion and passaging
  • Cryopreservation and thawing
  • Cell banking and traceability
  • Clinical‑intent QC criteria
• Support development of UC‑MSC–derived exosome workflows
• Implement and oversee QC assays (identity, viability, sterility, etc.)
• Supervise laboratory technicians and maintain operational standards

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience dissecting umbilical cord tissue and isolating UC‑MSCs
• Experience expanding UC‑MSCs beyond early research scale
• Strong aseptic technique and cleanroom familiarity
• Experience developing or following formal SOPs
• Clear understanding of MSC identity markers and QC validation

• Experience with bioreactor‑based MSC expansion
• Experience scaling to 10⁸–10⁹ cells
• GMP or GMP‑adjacent laboratory experience
• Prior leadership or mentoring experience

• Modern laboratory and clinical setting
• Growth‑focused regenerative medicine program
• Direct collaboration with leadership
• Opportunity to help shape expanding cell production capabilities