Senior Scientist
The Lundquist Institute
Summary
The Senior Scientist will lead advanced research projects focused on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming and differentiation. This role requires deep expertise in cellular reprogramming, lineage-specific differentiation, and assay development to support translational research and therapeutic discovery. The ideal candidate will drive experimental design, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve project milestones. In addition, the candidate will assist in training and education initiatives.
Job description
Position Summary
The Senior Scientist will lead advanced research projects focused on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming and differentiation. This role requires deep expertise in cellular reprogramming, lineage-specific differentiation, and assay development to support translational research and therapeutic discovery. The ideal candidate will drive experimental design, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve project milestones. In addition, the candidate will assist in training and education initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform and support experiments involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), including maintenance, expansion, and directed differentiation.
- Execute sterile cell culture techniques with strict adherence to quality control and contamination prevention standards.
- Assist with experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
- Operate and maintain advanced research instrumentation, including FACS sorters, 10x Genomics platforms, and Seahorse assays.
- Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records, protocols, and inventory.
- Support multiple concurrent projects within the core and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
- Train and assist users of the core facility, fostering a collaborative and service-oriented environment.
- Communicate effectively with team members, investigators, and facility users regarding project needs, progress, and troubleshooting.
- Contribute to general core lab operations, including equipment maintenance and compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
- Design and perform new experiments; tissue culture and treatments; cell culture and differentiation.
- Organize and place orders.
- Apply knowledge of data analysis software related to flow cytometry or imaging.
Requirements
- PhD degree in cell or molecular biology
- 1-2 years experience in lab techniques including iPSC cell culture; preferred experience in Seahorse workflows and 10X genomic platforms operations (Chromium and Visium)
- Hands-on experience with human iPSC culture and maintenance, directed differentiation protocols, and sterile technique in cell culture
- Familiarity with advanced technologies such as flow cytometry and FACS sorting, and confocal microscopy
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Requirements
- PhD degree in cell or molecular biology
- 1-2 years experience in lab techniques including iPSC cell culture
- Preferred experience in Seahorse workflows and 10X genomic platforms operations (Chromium and Visium)
- Hands-on experience with human iPSC culture and maintenance
- Hands-on experience with directed differentiation protocols
- Hands-on experience with sterile technique in cell culture
- Familiarity with flow cytometry and FACS sorting
- Familiarity with confocal microscopy
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Benefits
- Health Insurance
Company overview
The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (TLI) is a leading nonprofit biomedical research organization founded in 1952 by visionary physicians seeking better treatments for their patients. Operating with a unique "bedside to bench to bedside" approach, TLI translates clinical challenges into scientific inquiry and discoveries back into patient care. The institute employs over 150 principal investigators and more than 550 research staff who conduct over 600 active studies annually, including approximately 130 clinical trials. Affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and partnered with Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, TLI focuses on cutting-edge translational research across multiple domains including cancer biology, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, translational genomics, and metabolic disorders. The organization also operates extensive community health programs serving over 60,000 underserved women and children monthly in Los Angeles County, promoting health equity while fostering the next generation of scientific leaders through robust education and training programs.