Biologist

Responsibilities

• Culture, passage, and plate human intestinal organoids to support the group's research objectives.
• Perform assays in primary 3D cell culture models such as Transwells or MPS/CIVM platforms.
• Test biologic and small molecule compounds in cell-based assays for functional readouts, including cell proliferation, cytokine release, and gene expression.
• Execute advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, including but not limited to flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA, MSD, and qPCR.
• Process human tissue ex vivo and isolate organoids, fibroblasts, and immune cells from human tissue or blood.
• Design, execute, and interpret experimental results to validate project-relevant hypotheses.
• Maintain close communication with multiple teams to support human intestinal organoid cell needs.
• Implement and innovate new experimental protocols and techniques as needed.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and report data consistently, concisely, and rigorously, both to individual stakeholders and in group settings.
• Demonstrate scientific excellence through dedicated contributions to multiple projects in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Drive project impact primarily through hands-on, lab-based activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field, with 4+ years of experience in an industry setting.
• In vitro cell culture experience, including sterile techniques and handling of challenging cell types.
• Experience working with primary human organoids.
• Comfortable handling with ex vivo human tissue and processing.
• Experience with 3D cell culture models such as transwells or MPS/CIVM platforms.
• Proficiency in ELISA, MSD or Luminex.
• Ability to learn new skills and apply them in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Comfortable managing, shifting timelines and evolving work priorities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience with cell-based assay development.
• Proficiency in multi-color flow cytometry.
• Experience with gene expression analysis by qPCR.
• Experience working with fibroblasts and immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes.
• Human organoid culture and co-culture models such as transwells.
• Experience with molecular and cellular analysis techniques including qPCR, MSD, ELISA, flow cytometry.

Benefits

• Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.
• Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.
• Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.
• 401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.