Research Associate II, Stem Cell Lab

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Independently perform human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and differentiation using established and evolving protocols to support organoid and disease modeling research.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize complex cell-based assays, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and quality control procedures to ensure reproducibility and scientific rigor.
• Perform comprehensive characterization of iPSC lines and differentiated cell products using techniques such as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, qPCR, microscopy, and other molecular and cellular assays.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and contribute to presentations, manuscripts, and SOP development.
• Manage laboratory operations including inventory, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and ensure compliance with biosafety, quality, and laboratory standards.
• Train and mentor junior laboratory personnel on stem cell culture techniques, laboratory best practices, and experimental procedures while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary investigators to support the development, optimization, and implementation of standardized, scalable iPSC- and organoid-based preclinical models for the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative.

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 five (5) years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and standard laboratory practices.
• Experience performing basic molecular and cellular biology techniques and maintaining accurate laboratory documentation.
• Must possess basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related life science discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with human iPSC culture, reprogramming, differentiation, and quality control.
• Experience with organoid culture and/or 3D cell culture systems is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and molecular and cellular biology methods including immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and microscopy.
• Experience with assay development, experimental optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks, data analysis software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently while maintaining meticulous documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.