Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

VARITE INC; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 66,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Legal Service Plans

Job summary

VARITE is seeking a Scientist III in Ridgefield, CT, onsite, to support discovery research in Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic diseases. The role involves mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, automation workflows, and NGS-related work, with training provided as needed.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree with 3+ years or a Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years in cell biology or genomics, and experience with iPSC-derived workflows and organoids is a plus.

Qualifications

• Summary: support discovery research in Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic diseases using automated workflows, cell culture, and functional genomics.
• Execute and monitor automated cell culture and assay workflows; support iPSC-derived kidney organoid and NGS work with training provided.
• Detail-oriented, able to troubleshoot routine issues and maintain meticulous records.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments including mammalian cell culture and image-based analysis.
• Operate and monitor automated workflows for cell-based and molecular assays; troubleshoot issues.
• Perform NGS workflows for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and related applications.
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, quantification, and basic protein analysis.
• Maintain accurate metadata and electronic lab notebook records per SOPs and data integrity standards.
• Collaborate with cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics teams.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell biology

Cell-based assays

NGS workflows

Automation platforms

iPSC culture

Education

Master's degree (3+ years)

Bachelor's degree (7+ years)

Equivalent combination of education/experience

Tools

Automation platforms

Job description

VARITE is looking for qualified Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics in Ridgefield, CT 06877 (Onsite).

WHAT THE CLIENT DOES?

A global, research-driven pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing innovative medicines in areas such as human pharmaceuticals, animal health, and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing.

WHAT WE DO?

Established in the Year 2000, VARITE is an award-winning minority business enterprise providing global consulting & staffing services to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With 850+ global consultants, VARITE is committed to delivering excellence to its customers by leveraging its global experience and expertise in providing comprehensive scientific, engineering, technical, and non-technical staff augmentation and talent acquisition services.

Job Title: Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

Location: Ridgefield, CT 06877 (Onsite)

Contract Duration: 24 months with possible extension

Pay Range: $49.62/hr. to $53.16/hr. on W2

Work Authorization: US Citizen or Green Card only

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO

Summary:

• 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 upscale 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.

BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligible employees may receive:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement Plans: Participation in a company-sponsored retirement savings plan.
• Legal Service Plans: Offering access to attorneys for legal advice and representation.

VARITE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.