Research Associate I

Gladstone Institutes•San Francisco, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The laboratory of Benoit Bruneau at Gladstone Institutes is seeking a Research Associate to study gene regulation during heart development using mouse models in vivo and stem cells in vitro. The position primarily focuses on culturing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and performing molecular biology techniques to investigate gene-expression regulation during in vitro cardiac differentiation. The candidate will help generate cardiomyocytes, assess differentiation, analyze experimental and sequencing data, maintain laboratory records and inventory, and assist with laboratory management. Candidates who are motivated, collaborative, and considering graduate, medical, or dental school are encouraged to apply. The position could start in July–August 2024, and there is potential for one or two publications within a two-year period.

Requirements

Associate's degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong work ethic.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team setting.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.
At least 6 months of practical experience in a research laboratory.
Experience with iPSC or cell culture.
Flow cytometry experience.
Molecular biology skills such as PCR, western blotting, and RT-qPCR.
Laboratory management experience, including ordering, restocking, and database maintenance.
R or Python programming, or equivalent.
Experience with next-generation sequencing, such as RNA-seq or ChIP-seq.
CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing experience.
Proficiency in Excel, Word, ImageJ Fiji, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Responsibilities

Maintain and expand iPSC lines, including routine passaging, freezing, and thawing.
Use differentiation protocols to generate cardiomyocytes and ensure consistency and reproducibility.
Assess differentiation efficiency using flow cytometry.
Perform molecular biology techniques, including PCR, RT-qPCR, and western blotting, to analyze gene expression and protein levels.
Use RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq to investigate gene regulation and epigenetic changes in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
Analyze experimental and sequencing data and interpret results.
Update records and log books and assist with maintaining laboratory records and inventory.
Assist with laboratory management, including ordering reagents and organizing laboratory inventory.