Research Associate, Expression (Cell Bio)

About the Role

As a Research Associate, you’ll work alongside scientists to characterize and improve engineered molecular systems across mammalian cell models, including cell lines and neurons. You’ll grow and maintain cell cultures, develop and execute cell-based assays, and investigate how genetic designs and delivery conditions affect expression, function, and cell health. This is a hands-on role with opportunities to contribute to experimental design, learn new techniques, and take increasing ownership of experimental workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Grow, maintain, and perform experiments on mammalian cell lines and neuronal cultures.
• Evaluate engineered genetic constructs and delivery conditions in neuronal and other mammalian cell models.
• Develop and run high-content microscopy and plate-based assays to measure expression, cellular fitness, and viability.
• Perform routine biochemical and molecular analyses, including gDNA/RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Analyze and present findings, troubleshoot unexpected results, and help design follow-up experiments.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, protocols, and organized cell and reagent inventories.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays, with strong aseptic technique and a willingness to learn new cell models.
• Familiarity with microscopy, plate-based assays, nucleic acid extraction, and qPCR.
• Scientific curiosity, strong observational skills, and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• An organized approach to managing multiple experiments, cell cultures, and timelines.
• Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.

Nice to have:

• Experience culturing primary cells or iPSC-derived neurons.
• High-content imaging, immunofluorescence, and quantitative image analysis.
• Development or optimization of assays for cellular fitness, viability, cytotoxicity, or cellular stress.
• Transfection, viral transduction, or optimization of gene expression in mammalian cells.
• Experience with large-scale cell-based screens or laboratory automation.