Research Associate – Discovery Biology

Organization Neurona Therapeutics

Position Research Associate – Discovery Biology (level of RA depends on experience)

Location San Francisco Bay Area

Manager Principal Scientist, Group Leader

Status Exempt

OVERVIEW

Neurona Therapeutics is an early stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco focused on the development of neuronal cell-based therapies for neurological diseases. Our ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual who has a passion for scientific research. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small team, work on transformative science, and take part in building an exciting, science-driven company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain human pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells and perform stem cell differentiation into neuronal lineages using a large variety of formats, (384 well plates, regular and large-scale culture vessels).
• Develop cell-based screening assays using automated liquid handler for stem cell differentiation optimization.
• Utilize High Content Screening (HCS) technology for high-throughput analysis of cell populations.
• Characterize differentiated cells (immuno cyto-chemistry, Flow cytometry, RT-QPCR, RNA sequencing).
• Conduct fluorescence or magnetic -activated cell sorting experiments.
• Prepare tissue culture reagents (media, small molecules, cytokines); Tissue culture room upkeep and restocking.
• Maintain detailed records.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (+2 years of relevant experience) or Master degree in cell/molecular biology or related field.
• Clear knowledge of sterile tissue culture technique (at least two years experience).
• Familiar with pluripotent stem cell culture, in vitro directed differentiation paradigms and molecular/functional characterization of derived cell types.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers to perform medium / high throughput cell based screenings.
• Experience with coding (R, Python, etc.) would be a plus.
• Willing to work a limited number of hours during weekends.
• Excellent writing, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills, proficiency with Microsoft office.
• Able to take initiative to improve work processes, develop innovative scientific methodologies and approaches to enhance research productivity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience with human pluripotent (embryonic or induced) stem cell maintenance, differentiation, cell sorting and immuno cyto chemistry.
• One year of experience with lab automation for cell-based screening assays using liquid handling automates (protocol creation, hands on automates).
• Experience with transcript- and protein-based gene expression analyses, high content screening.
• Knowledge of human developmental biology.

Neurona Therapeutics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment.