Research Associate, Stem Cell Culture & Differentiation

Skills Alliance Enterprise; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Skills Alliance Enterprise in Cambridge, MA seeks a Research Associate for Stem Cell Culture & Differentiation on a 6-month on-site contract. You will execute iPSC culture, differentiate toward islet lineages, and support scaling toward clinical manufacturing.

Apply your hands-on stem cell expertise in a fast-paced lab, maintain rigorous data records, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance process development and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• 1–5+ years of hands-on stem cell therapy industry or academia experience.
• Familiarity with beta cell or stem cell differentiation workflow is a plus but not required.
• Experience in media preparation, stem cell culture, or related stem cell workflows desired.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills with consistent protocol adherence.
• Ability to manage time efficiently across multiple preparation tasks in fast-paced environments.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and independent problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• iPSC Culture & Differentiation Execution: Perform daily lab-based execution of pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, expansion, and directed differentiation across 2D and 3D platforms.
• Bioreactor & Closed-System Operations: Operate, optimize, and maintain closed bioreactor systems using aseptic, single-use, GMP-aligned workflows.
• Process Lock & Tech Transfer Support: Partner with R&D, PD, and MSAT teams to establish a robust differentiation workflow and enable scale-up to clinical manufacturing.
• Bridge between R&D and PD: Operate effectively at the intersection of early R&D and late-stage process development/GMP readiness.
• Data & Process Documentation: Maintain rigorous, real-time scientific documentation, analyze experimental data, compile summaries, and contribute to SOP drafting.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to Cambridge lab safety and biosafety standards and regulations.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Biomedical engineering

iPSC culture

Differentiation workflows

GMP knowledge

Data documentation

SOP drafting

Safety compliance

Communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

BSc or MSc in Stem Cell Biology or Biomedical Engineering

Job description

Research Associate, Stem Cell Culture & Differentiation

6-Month Contract

On-Site Cambridge, MA

$35-$40/hr

About our Client:

Our client is focused on utilizing engineered cells as medicines for patients. The ability to modify genes and use cells as medicines will be one of the most important advances in healthcare over the next several decades. Our client is building differentiated capabilities across the spectrum of cell and gene therapy.

About the role:

Supporting a growing Biotechnology company, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who want to challenge status quo, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas.

The Research Associate will serve as an on-site, lab-based technical resource embedded within the Beta Islet Team.. The primary focus of this engagement is to execute large-scale iPSC culture and directed stem cell-islet differentiation workflows to support process lock, drive R&D/PD optimization, and generate critical data for the program’s translation into clinical manufacturing.

What you’ll do:

• iPSC Culture & Differentiation Execution: Perform daily lab-based execution of pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, expansion, and directed differentiation across both 2D and 3D platforms.
• Bioreactor & Closed-System Operations: Operate, optimize, and maintain closed bioreactor systems using aseptic, single-use, and GMP-aligned workflows (including tube welders, sealers, and single-use assemblies).
• Process Lock & Tech Transfer Support: Partner with R&D, Process Development (PD), and Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) teams to establish a robust differentiation workflow and enable scale-up to clinical manufacturing.
• Bridge between R&D and PD: Operate effectively at the intersection of early R&D innovation and late-stage process development/GMP readiness.
• Data & Process Documentation: Maintain rigorous, real-time scientific documentation, analyze experimental data, compile summaries, and contribute to the drafting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all Cambridge lab safety and biosafety standards and regulations.

What we’re looking for:

• BSc or MSc in Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
• 1–5+ years of hands‑on stem cell therapy industry or academia experience.
• Familiarity with beta cell or stem cell differentiation workflow is a plus but not required
• Experience in media preparation, stem cell culture, or related stem cell workflows desired.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills with consistent protocol adherence.
• Ability to manage time efficiently across multiple preparation tasks in fast‑paced environments.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and independent problem‑solving skills.

What will separate you from the crowd:

• Pluripotent Stem Cell Expertise: Direct hands‑on expertise in iPSC culture and large‑scale directed differentiation, with pancreatic islet lineages.
• Aseptic & Closed Systems Proficiency: Demonstrated mastery of aseptic techniques, closed‑system processing, and single‑use fluid transfer equipment
• Experience with large-scale media preparation and bagging for cell culture workflows.
• Familiarity with tube welder and tube sealer operation for close‑system, sterile workflows.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on efficiency, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.