Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

Aequor; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor is seeking a Scientist III in Cell Biology & Functional Genomics in Ridgefield, CT. The role involves hands-on mammalian cell culture, automated workflows, and advanced genomics techniques in discovery research.

You will execute iPSC-derived workflows, perform RNA-seq, and collaborate across biology, automation, and bioinformatics teams. The ideal candidate has strong lab discipline, meticulous documentation, and the ability to troubleshoot routine workflow issues while contributing to

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years in cell biology, genomics, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and gene expression analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute cell-based experiments for target validation and discovery.
• Operate automated workflows for cell-based and molecular assays with troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation and execute RNA-seq workflows including library prep and QC.
• Carry out basic molecular biology techniques and data analysis; document results clearly.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity per SOPs and safety policies.
• Collaborate across cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics groups.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assay execution

NGS workflow

Laboratory automation familiarity

Data documentation & SOP compliance

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Title : Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

Not For PHD candidates please.

Duties:

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.

Skills:

• 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.

Education:

• 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.