Associate Scientist

Associate ScientistLength of assignment: 1 yearLocation: Onsite, Irvine, CAPurpose:The successful candidate for this position will work independently and as part of a team to contribute expertise to projects aimed at designing, developing, and optimizing novel in vitro complex cell models that mimic physiological or pathological conditions and enable the study of various biological processes as well as facilitating compound screening efforts.This role requires expertise in cell and organ culture techniques, stem cell culture and induced cell differentiation, tissue engineering, and a strong background in molecular biology.Additionally, the candidate will participate and conduct in vitro assay development work to support discovery research projects and target validation studies in diseases of hair and skin.This individual will organize, analyze, and interpret results, and make recommendations based on experimental findings.Responsibilities:Design and optimize protocols for the efficient and reproducible differentiation of iPSCs into specific cell types.Characterize and validate the differentiated cells using molecular and functional assays to ensure their fidelity and functionality.Develop and optimize advanced cell models, including co-culture systems, organoids, or tissue-on-a-chip platforms, using iPSC-derived cells to mimic physiological or disease conditions.Optimize cell culture protocols, media formulations, and growth conditions to ensure the viability, functionality, and reproducibility of the developed cell models.Work in a team environment and coordinate the design, development, and optimization of in vitro assays to support discovery research projects and target validation studies related to hair and skin diseases.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including biologists, engineers, and data scientists, to integrate the developed cell models into larger research projects, including supporting in vivo model development and in vivo studies.Plan experimental approaches with supervisory guidance. Discuss, recommend, and modify experimental techniques as needed.Document and interpret results in order to reach conclusions, discuss with supervisor and decide on subsequent experiments.Prepare technical reports, presentations, and appropriate documentation of work performed. Assist supervisor in maintaining project documentation.Attend and participate in lab, team and departmental meetings. Presentation of data as required.Qualifications:Proven experience in, and proficiency in iPSC maintenance, reprogramming, and differentiation techniques using various differentiation protocols are required.Proficiency in advanced cell culture techniques, including iPSC culture and differentiation, primary cell isolation, immortalized cell lines, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, co-culture systems and organoid culture systems.Experience in characterizing and validating differentiated cells using functional assays and molecular markers.Proven experience in molecular biology techniques for analysis of in vitro cell-based assays and ex vivo tissues and/or fluid (RNA isolation, qPCR, western blot, ELISA, Luminex, F/ISH, IHC, flow cytometry etc.).Proficient in data analysis software suites (e.g., GraphPad PRISM, Excel, R, etc.).Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and documentation.Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with years of experience.Theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out the job functions.

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