Research Associate

Location

Indianapolis, IN | United States

Job description

We are the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI). We are a leading translational research institute that advances academic and industry science through collaboration to improve patient health outcomes. Building your career at the IBRI in Indianapolis’ 16 Tech Innovation District means being part of a team of renowned scientists, creative thinkers, and innovative leaders.

Today’s research is being driven by significant advances in our abilities to study complex disease processes and propose new ways to improve patients’ lives. To reflect the evolving nature of life sciences research and encourage synergies through collaboration, we are enhancing our integrated capabilities, adding depth to how we approach patient-informed translational science and pursuing four foundational areas of scientific focus. These four areas will provide us the core talent and capability to pursue translational science in this new patient-centric framework:

• Disease, Systems, Pathways  – We are working to better understand diabetes and identify new ways to combat the disease. We are applying this learning to other diseases that share common systems and pathways.
• Molecular Innovation – We are developing new capabilities for molecular design and drug discovery to investigate disease processes and pursue new therapeutic approaches.
• Integrated Data Sciences  – We are pursuing advanced data sciences to create novel end-user inspired solutions that address complex analysis, simulation, and prediction across the translational sciences.
• Enabling Technologies  – We are building a rich platform of enabling technologies that give our scientists, partners, and collaborators access to the best tools to solve complex scientific problems.

The IBRI’s vision is to build a world-class organization of researchers, innovators and business professionals that catalyze activities across the Indiana (and beyond) life sciences community. To achieve that vision, we look for curious and collaborative team members who are energized by innovation, guided by integrity, and inspired by diversity.

The Opportunity:

The Enabling Technologies area has a Research Associate position available for an individual with cell culture and molecular biology experience. Working in the IBRI’s induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lab, the Research Associate will be involved in collaborative research projects that include generation of iPSC lines from human fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and differentiation of these iPSC lines into various cell types such osteoblast, microglia, Schwann cells and many other cell lineages for use in translational experiments. The selected candidate with less experience with iPSC culture will receive training and ongoing support in thawing, maintenance, expansion, differentiation, and cryopreservation of iPSCs by current iPSC lab members.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct experiments with human iPSC-derived cells, including:
  • Maintenance and differentiation of iPSCs into osteoblasts, microglia, Schwann cells, cardiomyocytes, and other cell types.
  • Check gene and protein expression in iPSC and iPSC-derived cells at different stages of development using qPCR, FACS, western and IF.
  • Lentivirus production for generating CRISPR/cas9 KO in progenitors and iPSC lines.
  • Transfect and analyze transgenic iPSC lines using different techniques including CRISPR/Cas9-based methods.
• Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for multiple research projects.
• Working with molecular biology design tools such as primer design, genome browsers, tools, and sequencing analysis.
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook, maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the iPSC team.
• Present results at lab meetings and with external collaborators.
• Monitor and order laboratory supplies.
• Prepare and label buffers, media, and stock solutions for the iPSC lab.

Qualifications:

• BS or MA/MS Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field is required PLUS 3+ years of experience.
• Skills in cell culture and molecular biology techniques are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
• Must be open to learning new techniques.
• Good organizational skills and communication skills are required.

Compensation:  Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered, commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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