Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

WillHire; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WillHire is seeking a capable research professional in Ridgefield, CT to support discovery research programs in Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic Diseases. The role involves hands-on automation platforms, mammalian cell culture, and NGS-related work with training provided as needed.

Responsibilities include executing automated workflows, tissue dissociation, and library preparation for bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, while maintaining strict documentation and collaborating across biology, automation,

Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and iPSC workflows.
• Experience with sequencing run setup and NGS workflows.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments for target validation and discovery; includes mammalian culture and iPSC workflows.
• Operate and monitor automated workflows for cell-based and molecular assays; troubleshoot routine issues.
• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation and execute RNA-seq workflows including library prep and QC.
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid/protein quantification, and basic sample prep.
• Maintain accurate sample, reagent, metadata and ELN records; comply with SOPs and safety.
• Collaborate across cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics teams.
• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and independent troubleshooting.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to the team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assay execution

NGS workflows

Troubleshooting

Collaboration

Laboratory automation experience

Documentation/ELN

Education

Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience

Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

NGS instrumentation

Job description

The successful candidate will support discovery research programs within Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic Diseases through hands-on operation of laboratory automation platforms, mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and functional genomics studies. The candidate will execute and monitor established automated cell culture and assay workflows and support automated iPSC-derived kidney organoid processes and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-related work, with platform- and workflow-specific training provided as needed.

The role requires reliable execution of automation and NGS workflows. Success requires exceptional attention to detail, careful sample and reagent tracking, precise adherence to established protocols, and independent troubleshooting of routine experimental or platform issues.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments supporting target validation and discovery research, including routine mammalian cell culture, assay execution, image-based analysis, and iPSC-derived cell workflows.
• Operate and monitor established laboratory automation workflows for cell-based and molecular assays, troubleshoot routine issues, and elevate complex problems appropriately.
• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation and execute NGS workflows for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, and related applications, including library preparation, quality control, quantification, normalization, sequencing setup, and sequencer operation.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, nucleic acid and protein quantification, Western blotting, and basic sample preparation; analyze and interpret results, identify technical issues, and communicate findings and recommended follow-up clearly.
• Maintain accurate sample, reagent, consumable, experimental metadata, and electronic laboratory notebook records while complying with SOPs, safety requirements, company policies, and data integrity standards.
• Collaborate across cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics groups.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell biology, and cell-based assay execution.
• Hands-on NGS workflow experience, including tissue, cell, and/or nuclei dissociation, sequencing library preparation, quality control, and quantification for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, or related applications.
• Some hands-on experience with laboratory automation, automated instrumentation, or standardized high-throughput workflows, with the ability and interest to develop further expertise in operating and troubleshooting automated cell-based and molecular assays; automation programming is not required.
• Exceptional attention to detail and demonstrated ability to accurately execute lengthy, multi-step protocols while maintaining sample integrity, data quality, and complete documentation.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot routine experimental or operational issues, communicate clearly, and work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Desired Skills

• Experience running laboratory automation platforms for cell-based or molecular assays.
• Experience with sequencing run setup and sequencer operation. Instrument-specific operation can be trained when required.
• Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell culture, differentiation, characterization, or iPSC-derived cell assays.
• Experience with kidney organoid culture systems.
• Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, or a related scientific discipline.