Technical Associate I, Tsai Lab

MIT • Cambridge, MA

12d

About The Position

The Technical Associate I will assist with the creation, maintenance, and experimental use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in the Tsai Lab at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. The role involves working closely with researchers to generate differentiated neurovascular cell types from iPSCs and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including neural progenitor cells, mature neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells.

A substantial portion of the work will focus on maintaining cell lines through media changes, subculturing and splitting, transferring cell colonies, and basic microscopy. The position also includes preparing specialized media and cell-culture surfaces, tracking stem cell reagents and stock chemicals, maintaining an organized inventory of cell lines stored in liquid nitrogen, and performing routine stem cell core maintenance. The Technical Associate I will work under the supervision of lab managers and the manager of the Picower Institute iPSC Core Facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of related wet lab experience.
• Excellent sterile technique.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and ability to implement and evaluate novel technical approaches as new protocols for creating neurovascular and other brain cell types from human stem cells are published.

Nice To Haves

• One year of cell culture experience.
• Experience in RT-qPCR, epifluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, and/or flow cytometry.

Responsibilities

• Assist with creation, maintenance, and experimentation using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Work with researchers to generate differentiated neurovascular cell types from iPSCs and ESCs, including neural progenitor cells, mature neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells.
• Maintain cell lines through media changes, subculturing or splitting, and transferring cell colonies.
• Perform basic microscopy.
• Create specialized media formulations.
• Prepare specialized culturing surfaces.
• Maintain inventories of stem cell reagents and stock chemicals.
• Maintain an organized inventory of cell lines stored in liquid nitrogen.
• Perform routine stem cell core maintenance.

What This Job Offers

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