Senior Research Associate, Functional Genomics
About The Position
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Functional Genomics team inside the Genome Engineering Technology Center at the Arc Institute. This position will directly support our efforts of high-throughput interrogation of mammalian genomes, transcriptomes, and epigenomes with rich multi-omic readouts. You will play a critical role in the Virtual Cell Initiative, which aims to create the first foundational model that makes accurate predictions of cellular states and their response to intervention. You will also have the opportunity to partner closely with pioneering labs that have developed the fundamental toolbox for genome engineering and functional genomics screens, such as CRISPR nucleases, CRISPRi, CRISPRoff, CRISPRa, and serine or bridge recombinases. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience and proficient skills in mammalian cell culture, functional genomic screens, and NGS library preparation, and familiarity with various other cellular and molecular techniques. They must also demonstrate the ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex workflows and protocols with an outstanding attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and curious researcher interested in leveraging cutting-edge functional genomic technologies to drive innovative scientific discoveries.
Requirements
- BS degree in relevant field with 4+ years of relevant experience, or MS degree in relevant field with 2+ years of relevant postgraduate experience.
- Proficiency in mammalian cell culture procedures and associated aseptic techniques, including direct experience working with stem cells and differentiation workflows (neuron and microglia preferred).
- Hands-on experience executing high throughput CRISPR screens. Prior experience with pooled CRISPR screens is strongly preferred.
- Experienced with different NGS library preparation workflows (e.g. amplicon, bulk and single cell).
- Experience and knowledge of various cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques such as viral production, flow cytometry, and qPCR.
- Attention to details with the ability to deliver high quality work in a consistent manner.
- The ability to independently execute experiments involving complex workflows, and troubleshoot technical problems.
- The ability to be flexible and adaptable in a work environment.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Flexibility to work some weekends as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Neuroscience background, particularly experience with electrophysiology and/or molecular neuroscience techniques.
- Prior experience with single-cell RNA sequencing. Experience with 10x Flex is a plus.
- Multi-color flow cytometry and FACS sorting.
- Adept at molecular cloning. Prior experience with large pooled plasmid library construction is a plus.
- Experience with LIMS systems, ideally Benchling.
- Adept at data analysis in an independent manner.
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine mammalian cell culture, including cell line banking, expansion, and manipulation.
- Contribute to the end-to-end execution of large scale in vitro perturbation screens and downstream sample preparation for NGS.
- Participate in other research efforts related to cellular model, technology and assay development.
- Execute tasks and experiments with a focus on efficiency and reproducibility, following already established SOPs and ensuring accurate and reliable record keeping and documentation in our ELN and LIMS system.
- Analyze and present data at internal meetings and seminars.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other Tech Center teams at Arc.
- Contribute to lab organization and maintenance, including rotating in regular cleaning schedules and inventory management of supplies and reagents.
Benefits
- annual discretionary bonus
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
