iPSC Stem Cell Research Assistant — Beta Cell Focus

Salk Institute for Biological Studies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Patient advocacy services

Transit/parking program

Job summary

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego seeks a Research Assistant I to support NIH R01-focused research on human iPSC differentiation and beta cell transplantation for diabetes therapies.

Under the Principal Investigator, you will maintain iPSC cultures, perform multistage differentiation protocols, characterize cells, and assist with transplantation studies in mouse models, while maintaining records and aseptic standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline.
• No professional experience required.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office; Inventory Software; Project Management Software.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, passage, cryopreserve, and recover human iPSC lines using sterile technique.
• Prepare reagents and support multistage differentiation of iPSCs into pancreatic progenitors, endocrine progenitors, and beta cell or islet-like organoids.
• Monitor cell culture quality, differentiation progress, and maintain accurate experimental records.
• Assist with banking, quality control, and characterization of genetically engineered iPSC lines.
• Perform DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and assist with molecular and cellular assays, including PCR, RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and microscopy.
• Support analysis of beta cell differentiation and function through marker expression, viability assays, insulin/C-peptide measurements, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays.
• Maintain accurate sample records, inventories, and experimental data.
• Assist with preparation and transplantation of iPSC-derived beta cell clusters or islet-like organoids under approved animal protocols.
• Assist with animal handling, monitoring, dosing, blood glucose measurements, and sample collection following appropriate training.
• Support tissue collection, processing, and analysis while maintaining required animal and experimental records.
• Prepare media, buffers, solutions, and reagents; maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and inventory.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, labeling, and storage of laboratory materials.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and participate in meetings, data discussions, and troubleshooting activities.

Skills

iPSC culture

Stem cell differentiation

Molecular assays

PCR/RT-qPCR

Immunoblotting

ELISA

Immunofluorescence

Flow cytometry

Microscopy

Animal handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego seeks a Research Assistant I to support NIH R01-focused research on human iPSC differentiation and beta cell transplantation for diabetes therapies.

Under the Principal Investigator, you will maintain iPSC cultures, perform multistage differentiation protocols, characterize cells, and assist with transplantation studies in mouse models, while maintaining records and aseptic standards.