What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cell Culture & Cryopreservation Technician position at EPM Scientific?
Cell Culture & Cryopreservation Technician
Location:
Irvine, California
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us
We are an innovative regenerative medicine laboratory, tissue bank, and research facility dedicated to developing and processing advanced biologic therapies, including stem cell-based products. Our operations adhere to FDA regulations and emphasize quality, safety, and scientific excellence.
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Cell Culture & Cryopreservation Technician with hands-on experience in stem cell culture and biobanking. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in expanding, processing, and cryopreserving human stem cells within a regulated laboratory or tissue bank environment.
This role is essential to laboratory operations and requires precision, consistency, and strict adherence to aseptic techniques and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Key Responsibilities
- Perform aseptic cell culture techniques, including isolation, expansion, and maintenance of human cells (e.g., MSCs, SVF, and other primary cell types)
- Execute cryopreservation protocols, including controlled-rate freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen systems
- Thaw, assess viability, and recover cryopreserved cell samples
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, controlled-rate freezers, LN₂ storage systems)
- Conduct cell counting, viability assays, and basic quality control (QC) testing
- Maintain accurate and compliant batch records, logs, and laboratory documentation
- Follow and contribute to the development and refinement of SOPs
- Ensure compliance with GTP/GMP guidelines and FDA regulations
- Manage inventory of biological samples, reagents, and consumables
- Maintain cleanroom standards and laboratory sterility
- Support QA/QC activities, audits, and regulatory inspections
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field
- Minimum of 2 years of hands-on cell culture experience (academic or industry)
- Direct experience with cryopreservation and thawing of cells
- Strong aseptic technique and sterile processing skills
- Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GTP, GMP, or GLP preferred)
- Experience with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including adipose
Preferred
- Experience with umbilical-, or bone marrow-derived cells
- Familiarity with tissue banking procedures and workflows
- Experience operating controlled-rate freezers and liquid nitrogen storage systems
- Knowledge of FDA Good Tissue Practice (GTP) guidelines
- Experience with LIMS or electronic sample tracking systems
- Excellent documentation, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Opportunities for growth within a cutting-edge regenerative medicine organization
- Health benefits (where applicable)
- Paid time off
- Ongoing training and professional development