Research Technician - Pluripotent Stem Cells (PSC)

About the Role:

Are you passionate about stem cell research and interested in advancing scientific discoveries? We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the Primary & iPSC Shared Resource team at Janelia as a Research Technician II. In this role, you will play a crucial part in maintaining PSC resources and supporting independent labs, project teams, and visiting scientists in their groundbreaking research.

Your primary responsibility will be to maintain, expand, and freeze a diverse range of iPSC lines while ensuring that pluripotency is preserved using innovative methods. Drawing from your previous experience and current scientific literature, you will develop and refine methods for differentiating iPSCs into various cell types, such as neurons, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and different types of organoids. You will also design and implement methods to confirm the presence of appropriate gene markers in the differentiated cells to verify their identity and quality.

What We Provide:

• An opportunity for you to develop, establish, and maintain iPSC support for groundbreaking research.
• The opportunity to engage with world-class researchers, contribute to impactful science, and be part of a dynamic community committed to advancing humanity's understanding of fundamental scientific questions.
• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What You'll Do:

• Establish, maintain, expand, passage, differentiate, and cryopreserve iPSCs.
• Compile key experimental data and results, and provide them upon request.
• Develop and optimize SOPs and workflows for iPSC services.
• Train others in iPSC-related protocols, processes, and instrument usage.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
• Manage projects, track progress, and perform other duties as assigned.
• In addition to the duties outlined above, the position may include other responsibilities as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• At least two years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize cell culture and differentiation protocols.
• Experience reviewing scientific literature, following technological advances in iPSC research, gene editing, and related fields, and applying new techniques to improve productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to write and prepare reports summarizing project scope and results.
• Desirable: Experience with immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and cell imaging to assess cell health, differentiation markers, and gene modifications.
• Preferred: Experience working with stem cell-derived organoids.
• Preferred: Knowledge of micropatterning and microfluidics.
• Preferred: Knowledge of genome editing techniques, preferably CRISPR-based technologies.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$45,760.00 (minimum) - $57,200.00 (midpoint) - $74,360.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Annual

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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