Senior Research Associate, In Vitro Screen Execution (Fixed-Term Contract)

Arc Institute • Palo Alto, CA

2d • $84,250 - $114,250 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate, In Vitro Screen Execution, to join the Cellular Models Technology Center for a fixed term of 12 months to support the execution of arrayed genetic and chemical perturbation screens in disease-relevant 3D neural models. In this position, you will play a key role in executing protocols to efficiently and reproducibly build and characterize complex 3D models of CNS cells, and leverage these to run high throughput assays and screens. Through this work, you will play a critical role in the Institute's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative, an ambitious cross-functional effort aimed at identifying and developing drugs for rational therapeutic targets to combat devastating neurodegenerative disorders. This is a temporary contractor position based onsite 5 days a week in Palo Alto. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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
• Substantial experience culturing and maintaining human PSC-derived cell types or organoids (NPCs, neurons, astrocytes, microglia, or similar), with reliable, reproducible results.
• Demonstrated ability to execute multiple cell culture protocols with precision and to transition between them accurately, maintaining fidelity to each protocol's specific requirements (workflow, media, and timeline).
• Familiarity with maintaining and tracking complex in vitro co-cultures using assays such as imaging, flow cytometry, qPCR, proteomics and transcriptomics-based readouts.
• Excellent aseptic technique and consistent cell-culture practice held to a high, production-type standard.
• Meticulous documentation and record-keeping; comfort working to a production schedule, and basic data tracking and analysis.
• Work onsite in our Palo Alto office 5 days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience handling high throughput plate formats and automation methods.
• Experience with LIMS systems, ideally Benchling.
• Experience analyzing large data sets preferably using data scripting tools such as Python or R.

Responsibilities

• Execute culture, quality control and validation of complex in vitro 3D neural and glial models.
• Support the execution of high throughput arrayed chemical and genetic perturbation screens for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative at Arc.
• Leverage in vitro cell-based assays (flow cytometry, imaging, immunostaining, etc.) and molecular biology techniques to characterize the functional effects of genetic and chemically perturbed cells within these models.
• Have a systematic approach to the execution of tasks and experiments with a focus on efficiency and reproducibility.
• Maintain careful records in ELN (electronic lab notebook) and organize materials and reagents with detailed tracking in our LIMS system.
• Collaborate with other teams at Arc to coordinate screening steps and sample transfer.
• Analyze and present experimental data at internal meetings and seminars.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior