Research Assoc I, Stem Cell Lab (IPSC)

About the role

The Laboratory & Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for laboratory and animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of husbandry, veterinary, state-of-the-art technology, and pre-clinical scientific services. LASP also provides primary support to the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative to address the need for validated, scalable, and reproducible organoid-based Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) in biomedical research. Our team provides technical infrastructure, operational integration, and specialized expertise to drive the development and optimization of organoid models of normal (non-cancerous) human tissues derived from a wide range of tissue types and donor sources.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture experiments, including routine maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and characterization of human cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Execute experiments and cellular assays using established protocols to support the development and characterization of iPSC-derived cell and organoid models
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques, which may include immunocytochemistry, microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR, protein analysis, and other cell-based assays
• Maintain appropriate quality control procedures for cell cultures, experimental assays, reagents, and laboratory equipment
• Collect, organize, analyze, and report experimental data to laboratory scientists and supervisors
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental procedures, results, cell culture records, and laboratory documentation
• Assist with the implementation, optimization, and documentation of new experimental protocols and procedures under the guidance of senior scientific staff
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and assist with routine laboratory operations, including preparation of reagents, inventory management, and maintenance of laboratory supplies
• Work collaboratively with scientists, research associates, and other members of the SOM Center to support the development of standardized, reproducible, and scalable stem cell and organoid models
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Possession of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• A minimum of two (2) years of related experience in addition to the education requirement
• Demonstrated laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and standard laboratory practices
• Experience with basic molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Ability to follow established experimental protocols while exercising independent judgment within a defined scope of work
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and appropriately document experimental procedures and results
• Must possess basic Microsoft Office skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culture, including human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Experience with iPSC maintenance, cryopreservation, characterization, and/or directed differentiation
• Experience with organoid culture, 3D cell culture, or other advanced in vitro model systems
• Experience with molecular and cellular characterization techniques such as immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blotting, or related assays
• Familiarity with stem cell biology, developmental biology, regenerative medicine, cellular metabolism, or related areas
• Experience with cell culture quality control procedures, including assessment of cell morphology, viability, contamination, and other measures of culture quality
• Experience working in a collaborative research laboratory and supporting multiple experimental projects
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Job Hazards

• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to animals(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations