Senior Scientist

The Lundquist Institute; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lundquist Institute in Torrance, CA, seeks a Senior Scientist to lead iPSC reprogramming and differentiation projects in a dynamic core facility. You will design experiments, mentor junior scientists, train users, and collaborate across teams to advance translational research and therapeutic discovery.

Applicants should have a PhD in cell or molecular biology and hands-on experience with iPSC culture, 10x Genomics, and Seahorse assays.

Qualifications

• PhD in cell or molecular biology.
• 1–2 years of iPSC culture experience; SeaHorse workflows and 10x platforms preferred.
• Hands-on with human iPSC culture, directed differentiation, sterile technique.
• Familiar with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
• Strong organizational and collaborative teamwork; excellent communication skills.
• Background check and health clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support iPSC experiments including maintenance and directed differentiation.
• Maintain sterile cell culture practices with quality control standards.
• Assist with experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Operate and maintain FACS sorters, 10x Genomics platforms, and Seahorse assays.
• Maintain accurate lab records, protocols, and inventory.
• Train and assist core facility users; foster collaboration.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance in a multi-user lab.

Skills

iPSC culture

Differentiation protocols

Sterile technique

Flow cytometry

Confocal microscopy

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in cell or molecular biology

Tools

10x Genomics (Chromium/Visium)

Seahorse assays

FACS sorters

Job description

About Us

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization located in Torrance, California. In dozens of laboratories throughout the campus, researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of heart and kidney disease, cardiac complications in newborns, chronic lung disease, skin cancer, sickle cell disease, disorders of the autoimmune system, and much more. Many of these projects are collaborative in nature, involving experts from different areas of specialization. Our discoveries have prevented blindness in newborns, enabled premature infants with fragile lungs to breathe and allowed children with rare, often fatal diseases to grow up healthy and strong.

About Us

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization located in Torrance, California. In dozens of laboratories throughout the campus, researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of heart and kidney disease, cardiac complications in newborns, chronic lung disease, skin cancer, sickle cell disease, disorders of the autoimmune system, and much more. Many of these projects are collaborative in nature, involving experts from different areas of specialization. Our discoveries have prevented blindness in newborns, enabled premature infants with fragile lungs to breathe and allowed children with rare, often fatal diseases to grow up healthy and strong.

Position Summary & Job Summary

The Senior Scientist will lead advanced research projects focused on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming and differentiation. This role requires deep expertise in cellular reprogramming, lineage-specific differentiation, and assay development to support translational research and therapeutic discovery. The ideal candidate will drive experimental design, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve project milestones. In addition, the candidate will assist in training and education initiative.

Requirements

• PhD degree in cell or molecular biology
• 1-2 years experience in Lab techniques including iPSC cell culture, preferred experience in Sea horse workflows and 10X genomic platforms operations (chromium and visium)
• Hands-on experience with:
• Human iPSC culture and maintenance
• Directed differentiation protocols
• Sterile technique in cell culture
• Familiarity with advanced technologies such as:
• Flow cytometry and FACS sorting
• Confocal microscopy
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform and support experiments involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), including maintenance, expansion, and directed differentiation.
• Execute sterile cell culture techniques with strict adherence to quality control and contamination prevention standards.
• Assist with experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Operate and maintain advanced research instrumentation, including FACS sorters, 10x Genomics platforms, and Seahorse assays.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records, protocols, and inventory.
• Support multiple concurrent projects within the core and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Train and assist users of the core facility, fostering a collaborative and service-oriented environment.
• Communicate effectively with team members, investigators, and facility users regarding project needs, progress, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to general core lab operations, including equipment maintenance and compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• This position is based in a dynamic, multi-user core facility supporting cutting-edge stem cell research. The role requires adherence to laboratory safety practices and may involve working with human-derived materials.
• Designing and performing new experiments
• Tissue culture and treatments
• Cell culture and differentiation
• Will have to organize and place orders
• Knowledge of data analysis software related to flow cytometry or imaging.

Position requires a background check and health clearance

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Drug-Free Workplace