Staff Research Associate II-(SRA2H)

About the role

The Al Alam Laboratory at The Lundquist Institute is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate II to support NIH- and CIRM-funded studies focused on modeling human lung development and disease using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cultures under feeder-free conditions.
• Reprogram primary human cells into iPSCs using non-integrating approaches such as Sendai virus vectors.
• Differentiate human iPSCs into lung progenitor cells and alveolar epithelial type II (iAT2) cells following established directed differentiation protocols.
• Establish and maintain three-dimensional organoid cultures, alveolosphere cultures, and air-liquid interface (ALI) systems.
• Conduct routine characterization of pluripotent and differentiated cells using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR, and other molecular assays.
• Perform cell sorting and isolation using flow cytometry or magnetic bead-based approaches.
• Assist with CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, gene knockdown, and overexpression studies.
• Prepare samples for bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell/single-nucleus sequencing, ATAC-seq, and multiomic analyses.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records and contribute to experimental design, data analysis, figure preparation, and manuscript development.
• Assist with laboratory management activities, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventories, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, project discussions, and collaborative research activities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of one-two years of hands-on research experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biomedical research environment.
• Demonstrated experience culturing human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs and/or embryonic stem cells).
• Experience with sterile mammalian tissue culture techniques.
• Proficiency in molecular biology methods including RNA isolation, qPCR, cDNA synthesis, and immunostaining.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with directed differentiation of iPSCs into lung, endodermal, epithelial, or organoid models.
• Experience with alveolar epithelial cell culture, lung biology, developmental biology, or regenerative medicine research.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Familiarity with confocal microscopy and advanced image analysis software.
• Experience handling human tissue specimens and working under IRB and stem cell oversight protocols.
• Experience in assay development and troubleshooting within complex cell culture systems.
• Strong understanding of stem cell biology and developmental processes.
• Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex cell culture protocols.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality scientific standards.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within collaborative multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful research environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a biological safety cabinet and laboratory bench for extended periods.
• Ability to lift laboratory materials and supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely handle biological specimens and laboratory reagents while following institutional safety protocols.