Cardiac Organoid Research Associate I

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is seeking a Research Associate I to join the SOM Cardiac Tissue Engineering Laboratory. You will help generate, maintain, and characterize human iPSC-derived cardiac organoids, integrating stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and functional phenotyping to develop robust organoid models.

Working with senior scientists, you will implement standardized workflows, maintain cultures, and perform molecular and functional assays with an emphasis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of relevant experience; foreign degrees evaluated for US equivalency.
• Minimum of two years related research experience.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and QA of human iPSC cultures following SOPs.
• Generate and characterize human iPSC-derived cardiac organoids using established methods.
• Execute experimental procedures and biological assays to support research objectives defined by senior scientists.
• Perform cellular and molecular characterization assays, including immunofluorescence, microscopy, qPCR, and sample prep.
• Assist with functional characterization of organoids, including beating activity, contractility, calcium signaling, and electrophysiology.
• Support optimization of protocols, troubleshoot issues, and improve lab efficiency and reproducibility.
• Maintain detailed experimental records including cell line info, culture conditions, and data collection.
• Compile and analyze data for lab supervisors; contribute to presentations and publications.
• Collaborate with scientists to standardize organoid production and reproducibility across the SOM Initiative.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

iPSC culture

Molecular biology techniques

Immunofluorescence

Microscopy

qPCR

Data management

Microsoft Office

Laboratory recordkeeping

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4 years related experience

Tools

None

Job description

The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is seeking a Research Associate I to join the SOM Cardiac Tissue Engineering Laboratory. You will help generate, maintain, and characterize human iPSC-derived cardiac organoids, integrating stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and functional phenotyping to develop robust organoid models.

Working with senior scientists, you will implement standardized workflows, maintain cultures, and perform molecular and functional assays with an emphasis