Scientist II, Stem Cell Lab (IPSC)

BioSpace; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 103,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research seeks a Scientist II in the Stem Cell Lab (IPSC) within the SOM Center to develop iPSC-based models and organoids for the NIH SOM Initiative.

The role includes designing protocols, collaborating across NIH, mentoring staff, and contributing to SOPs, with emphasis on data integration and high-containment biosafety.

Qualifications

• PhD from an accredited institution as per CHEA.
• Minimum 2 years postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• Strong mammalian cell culture and molecular biology skills.
• Ability to design and troubleshoot complex experiments.
• Strong written/verbal communication and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and execute independent IPSC-based research projects.
• Develop differentiation protocols and quality control strategies.
• Analyze datasets integrating molecular, imaging, and functional data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the SOM Center and NIH.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to SOPs and reports.

Education

PhD (CHEA)

Postdoctoral experience

Microsoft Office

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Data interpretation

Project management

Scientific communication

Tools

Office software

Job description

Job ID: req4635 Employee Type: exempt full-time Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases. Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

Program Description

The Laboratory & Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for laboratory and animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of husbandry, veterinary, state-of-the‑art technology, and pre‑clinical scientific services. LASP also provides primary support to the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative to address the need for validated, scalable, and reproducible organoid‑based Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) in biomedical research. Our team provides technical infrastructure, operational integration, and specialized expertise to drive the development and optimization of organoid models of normal (non-cancerous) human tissues derived from a wide range of tissue types and donor sources.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

The Scientist II position in the Stem Cell Lab (IPSC) within the SOM Center will be responsible for:

• Designing, leading, and executing independent research projects focused on the development, optimization, and application of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models, organoids, and other advanced in vitro systems to support the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative.
• Developing and optimizing differentiation protocols, cellular assays, and quality control strategies to generate reproducible, scalable, and biologically relevant stem cell‑derived models.
• Designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, and integrating molecular, cellular, imaging, and functional data to advance scientific objectives.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary investigators across the SOM Center and NIH to provide scientific expertise, develop experimental strategies, and support collaborative research projects.
• Contributing to grant applications, technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, SOP development, and scientific communications.
• Mentoring research associates, trainees, and junior scientists while fostering a collaborative and innovative laboratory environment.
• May supervisor junior level research staff
• Assisting with laboratory management, including implementation of new technologies, oversight of laboratory resources, and ensuring compliance with biosafety and quality standards.
• Remaining current with advances in stem cell biology, developmental biology, organoid technologies, and regenerative medicine to identify and implement emerging methodologies.

Basic Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of PhD from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of relevant postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• Must possess basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and advanced molecular and cellular biology methodologies.
• Experience designing, executing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex scientific experiments independently.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts, technical reports, and scientific presentations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise with human iPSC reprogramming, culture, characterization, genome editing, and directed differentiation.
• Experience with organoid culture and advanced 3D cell culture systems.
• Expertise in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and/or cellular metabolism.
• Research experience investigating metabolic regulation of stem cell fate, differentiation, mitochondrial biology, bioenergetics, or metabolic signaling pathways.
• Experience with metabolic phenotyping techniques, including Seahorse extracellular flux analysis, metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, mitochondrial functional assays, or related approaches, is highly desirable.
• Experience with flow cytometry, high-content imaging, immunocytochemistry, transcriptomic analysis, qPCR, and other cellular and molecular characterization techniques.
• Experience with single-cell genomics, spatial biology, or multi-omics approaches is desirable.
• Experience developing standardized workflows, assay validation, and quality management practices for stem cell-based models.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and collaborative research.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists or research staff.

JOB HAZRADS

• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to animals(s) and/or animal material(s).
• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here 103,100.00 - 147,767.00 USD The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data. The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions