Research Associate III

Q-state Biosciences; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Q-state Biosciences in Cambridge, MA is seeking a capable Biologist to execute and troubleshoot production and QC of neuronal cultures derived from human iPS cells for internal and client projects.

You will maintain multiple iPS cell lines, differentiate them into various neuron types, and perform RNA/DNA extractions, qPCR, ICC, and immunoblotting, contributing to high-throughput screening in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, cell biology, biotechnology or related field.
• At least two years of experience with mammalian cell culture (iPS cell-derived neurons) and with DNA/RNA/Protein preparations and readout assays (PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, and ICC).
• Ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute and troubleshoot production and QC of neuronal cultures for Quiver’s multiple customer-based and internal R&D projects.
• Maintain and characterize multiple human iPS cell lines.
• Use transcriptional programming and directed differentiation strategies to produce various types of high-quality human iPS cell-derived neurons, including excitatory, inhibitory, sensory and motor neurons.
• Plate and maintain cultures of human iPS cell-derived neurons in 96-well and 384-well assay formats.
• Carry out RNA and DNA preparations from human cell lines and cultured neurons.
• Perform candidate gene expression analysis using quantitative PCR assays.
• Assess protein expression using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunoblotting assays.
• Assist with cell culture lab operations, including inventory, purchasing of lab reagents and supplies, and aliquoting of recombinant protein and lentiviral particle stocks.
• Communicate work progress via technical reports, PowerPoint presentations, and seminars at internal meetings.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

qPCR

Immunoblotting

Immunocytochemistry

Technical report writing

Team collaboration

Oral and written communication

Education

Master's degree in biology/related field

Tools

PCR/qPCR instruments

Cell culture reagents

96/384-well plate handling

Job description

• Execute and troubleshoot production and QC of neuronal cultures for Quiver’s multiple customer-based and internal R&D projects.
• Maintain and characterize multiple human iPS cell lines.
• Use transcriptional programming and directed differentiation strategies to produce various types of high-quality human iPS cell-derived neurons, including excitatory, inhibitory, sensory and motor neurons.
• Plate and maintain cultures of human iPS cell-derived neurons in 96-well and 384-well assay formats.
• Carry out RNA and DNA preparations from human cell lines and cultured neurons.
• Perform candidate gene expression analysis using quantitative PCR assays.
• Assess protein expression using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunoblotting assays.
• Assist with cell culture lab operations, including inventory, purchasing of lab reagents and supplies, and aliquoting of recombinant protein and lentiviral particle stocks.
• Communicate work progress via technical reports, PowerPoint presentations, and seminars at internal meetings.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• A Master’s degree in biology, cell biology, biotechnology or a related field.
• At least two years of experience with mammalian cell culture (in particular iPS cell-derived neurons) and with DNA/RNA/Protein preparations and readout assays (PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, and ICC).
• Ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Experience with methods for human iPS cell differentiation into neurons is a plus.
• Experience with 96/384-well cultures and high-throughput screening is a plus.
• Experience with neuronal preparations from rodent CNS tissues is a plus.