Research Associate II

Caleo Biotechnologies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

CaleoBio is seeking a hands-on Research Associate II to support cell- and tissue-based R&D at our Germantown Innovation Center. The role suits an experimentalist with recent human iPSC culture experience and strong mammalian cell-culture fundamentals who can work independently, maintain high-quality cultures, document work carefully, and contribute to reproducible 2D and 3D model workflows.

The position will initially be part-time, with hours evolving as programs grow.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in cell biology, stem cell biology, biotech or related field.
• 1–2 years of industry or lab research experience.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture with aseptic technique, including recent iPSC culture experience.
• Ability to independently execute cell-culture experiments and maintain detailed records.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand human iPSC cultures with routine passaging, cryopreservation, and quality assessment.
• Culture primary human cells and support processing of patient-derived samples.
• Execute 2D/3D cell/tissue culture experiments and optimize culture conditions.
• Support cell-based assays, imaging, ICC/IHC, and viability/metabolic readouts.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

iPSC culture

Aseptic technique

Independent experimentation

Lab records

SOP compliance

Organize & troubleshoot

Education

B.S. or M.S. in cell biology / related field

Tools

Microscopy

Immunocytochemistry

Immunohistochemistry

Cryopreservation

Job description

Caleo Biotechnologies, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company developing patient-derived Organ-Dish tissue models for translational preclinical research and precision therapeutic testing. Our models are designed to preserve native multicellular biology and support clinically relevant evaluation of therapeutic response across inflammatory, fibrotic, regenerative, and oncology applications.

Position Summary

CaleoBio is seeking a hands-on Research Associate II to support cell- and tissue-based R&D at our laboratory in the Germantown Innovation Center. The role is well suited to an experimentalist with recent human iPSC culture experience and strong mammalian cell-culture fundamentals who can execute experiments independently, maintain high-quality cultures, document work carefully, and contribute to reproducible 2D and 3D model workflows. The position will initially be part-time, with the opportunity for responsibilities and hours to evolve as the company and research programs grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand human iPSC cultures, including routine passaging, cryopreservation, thawing, morphology/quality assessment, and culture troubleshooting.
• Culture primary human cells and support processing and maintenance of patient‑derived cells and tissues.
• Execute 2D and 3D cell/tissue culture experiments using established protocols and contribute to optimization of culture conditions and workflows.
• Support cell‑based assays and characterization methods such as microscopy/imaging, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and viability/metabolic assays, as applicable to assigned studies.
• Prepare reagents and media, maintain organized cell banks and laboratory records, and document experiments in a clear and reproducible manner.
• Follow established SOPs and contribute to protocol refinement, assay optimization, and development of reproducible laboratory workflows.
• Analyze and summarize experimental observations and results; communicate progress, technical issues, and deviations promptly.
• Support general laboratory operations, inventory, equipment upkeep, and study readiness in a small, hands‑on biotech environment.

Core Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in cell biology, stem cell biology, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant industry or laboratory research experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique, including recent hands‑on human iPSC culture and maintenance experience.
• Experience maintaining high‑quality human iPSC cultures, including passaging, expansion, cryopreservation, thawing, and routine assessment of culture morphology and quality.
• Hands‑on experience with primary human cell culture; fibroblast experience is desirable.
• Ability to independently execute cell‑culture experiments, maintain detailed experimental records, and troubleshoot routine culture issues.
• Experience following SOPs and reproducible laboratory workflows.
• Strong organization, attention to experimental detail, and ability to work effectively in an early‑stage, hands‑on biotech R&D setting.
• Ability to work on‑site in Germantown, Maryland, approximately 20–25 hours per week on an agreed regular schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 2D and 3D cell culture models, including spheroids, organoids, ECM‑based cultures, or other tissue‑based models.
• Experience working with patient‑derived cells or tissues, such as processing human biopsy or surgical specimens and isolating primary cells for downstream culture and assays.
• Experience with iPSC differentiation and characterization.
• Familiarity with microscopy/imaging, immunohistochemistry, viability assays, or related cell‑based characterization methods.
• Experience optimizing cell‑culture conditions, assays, or experimental protocols.
• Experience with multiwell or higher‑throughput cell‑based assays.

Laboratory & Work Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment and follow applicable biosafety, PPE, and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to handle human‑derived biological materials in accordance with established protocols and applicable safety requirements.
• $40–$44 per hour, based on relevant experience and technical qualifications.
• Part‑time, non‑exempt, anticipated 20–25 hours per week on an agreed regular on‑site schedule.
• Eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal, Maryland, and local law.
• This part‑time position is not currently eligible for employer‑sponsored health insurance or retirement benefits.
• Earned sick and safe leave in accordance with applicable Montgomery County and Maryland requirements.

Additional Growth Opportunities

• Hands‑on training and experience with CaleoBio’s patient‑derived Organ‑Dish technology and advanced translational cell‑and tissue‑based models.
• Direct exposure to grant‑funded and industry‑sponsored preclinical R&D in an early‑stage biotechnology environment.
• Opportunity to take on increasing scientific responsibility as the company and research programs grow.
• As CaleoBio grows, the employee may be considered for expanded hours or full‑time employment based on performance, funding, company needs, and business conditions. Any change in employment status, compensation, benefits, or equity eligibility would be separately communicated and documented by CaleoBio.

CaleoBio is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with applicable federal, Maryland, and Montgomery County law.

CaleoBio provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities as required by applicable law. Applicants who need an accommodation during the application or interview process may request one from CaleoBio.