Research Associate II
Summary of Position:
Quiver is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our Biology Group. The Research Associate will support and execute Quiver’s cutting edge neuronal production and characterization by working closely with Quiver’s scientific and management team to perform studies in a high quality and scientifically rigorous fashion.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Execute and troubleshoot production and QC of neuronal cultures for Quiver’s multiple customer-based and internal R&D projects.
- Maintain and characterize multiple human iPS cell lines.
- Use transcriptional programming and directed differentiation strategies to produce various types of high-quality human iPS cell-derived neurons, including excitatory, inhibitory, sensory and motor neurons.
- Carry out RNA and DNA preparations from human cell lines and cultured neurons.
- Perform candidate gene expression analysis using quantitative PCR assays.
- Assess protein expression using immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting and ELISA.
- Assist with cell culture lab operations, including inventory, purchasing of lab reagents and supplies, and aliquoting of recombinant protein and lentiviral particle stocks.
- Execute functional phenotypic measurements using Quiver’s proprietary Firefly instruments, Optopatch assays, and other custom instrumentation for disease-modeling and drug discovery.
- Communicate work progress via technical reports, powerpoint presentations, and seminars at internal meetings.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, cell biology, biotechnology or a related field.
- Strong background in Molecular and Cell Biology principles and methods.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and DNA/RNA/Protein preparation and readout assays (PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry).
- Ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams.
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Additional Qualifications Desired:
- Experience in a clinical lab setting is a plus.
- Experience with human iPS cells and neuronal cultures is a plus.
- Experience with 96/384-well cultures and high-throughput screening is a plus.
- Experience with rodent dissections (CNS tissue) is a plus.