Cellular Biology and Automation Scientist

Description

• In this position you will design and perform both routine and complex cell culture work to contribute to research in drug discovery to treat neurological diseases.
• Using both manual and automated means, you will collaborate with other scientists to develop iPSC derived cellular models, and prepare materials for in vitro research work.
• Microfluidic cell cloning, CRISPR, cell line generation, and protein analysis are other responsibilities.
• Automating these processes using advanced robotics will be a key goal and responsibility.
• Identifying and evaluating new technologies and methods will also be a component of the successful candidate's responsibilities.
• Scaleup and maintenance of cultured cells by automated and manual means
• Scaleup and maintenance of immortalized cell lines
• Tracking and distribution of fresh and cryopreserved cell resources to collaborators
• Adaptation of cell culture methods to lab automation
• Collaborate with groups within and beyond Discovery Neuroscience at both the Cambridge Research Center and other sites, requiring a full understanding of the uses to which cultured materials will be put
• Collaborate on method development for differentiation of iPS cells to models of neurological disease
• Derivation and characterization of CRISPR KO pools and clones
• Help maintain cell line inventory system
• Proactively monitor new external developments in cell culture and automation, and incorporate this into individual projects
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, etc.
  
  

Qualifications

• BS, MS in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or equivalent, with 5 years of experience.
• Experience within cellular models for drug discovery.
• Experience with neural or microglial models preferred.
• Experience with primary, iPSC, complex cell models, and immortalized cell culture.
• Expertise and interest in cell biology and assay development
• The successful candidate must be highly collaborative, enjoying a dynamic, multi-disciplinary project team environment.
• Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in the use of automated cell culture robotic hardware and software, particularly the Sartorius CompacT SelecT.
• Training or interest in software and hardware engineering is a plus.
• Experience with basic molecular biology, protein characterization, ICC, transfection/transduction of mammalian cells
• Also preferred is industrial experience in early drug discovery including the identification of small molecules and/or biologic reagents, to validate targets and as leads toward the identification of human clinical candidates.
  
  

Benefits

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.