About Arc Institute
The Arc Institute is a new scientific institution that conducts curiosity-driven basic science and technology development to understand and treat complex human diseases. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Arc is an independent research organization founded on the belief that many important research programs will be enabled by new institutional models. Arc operates in partnership with Stanford University, UCSF, and UC Berkeley.
While the prevailing university research model has yielded many tremendous successes, we believe in the importance of institutional experimentation as a way to make progress. These include:
- Funding: Arc will fully fund Core Investigator’s (PI’s) research groups, liberating scientists from the typical constraints of project-based external grants.
- Technology: Biomedical research has become increasingly dependent on complex tooling. Arc Technology Centers develop, optimize and deploy rapidly advancing experimental and computational technologies in collaboration with Core Investigators.
- Support: Arc aims to provide first-class support—operationally, financially and scientifically—that will enable scientists to pursue long-term high risk, high reward research that can meaningfully advance progress in disease cures, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and immune dysfunction.
- Culture: We believe that culture matters enormously in science and that excellence is difficult to sustain. We aim to create a culture that is focused on scientific curiosity, a deep commitment to truth, broad ambition, and selfless collaboration.
Arc scaled to nearly 100 people in its first year. With $650M+ in committed funding and a state of the art new lab facility in Palo Alto, Arc will continue to grow quickly to several hundred in the coming years.
About the position
We are looking for a Senior / Staff Research Associate to join our Stem Cell Platform within the Cellular Models Technology Center to implement, optimize and scale human stem cell culture and differentiation/reprogramming protocols to model neurodegenerative disorders in both 2D and 3D systems. You will collaborate closely with Scientists in the Technology Center to establish cell-based assays and high-throughput screens, as well as with Core Laboratories and other Technology Centers to help convert cutting-edge method advances into reproducible and robust platform technologies for the Institute.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and proficient skills in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) culture as well as expertise developing, troubleshooting, and implementing stem cell differentiation protocols with outstanding attention to detail.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and curious researcher interested in the intersection of basic research and biotech product development. Title and compensation will be competitive with industry jobs relative to experience level and background.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform daily activities related to human ESC and iPSC (hPSC) culture, including media preparation, culture initiation, maintenance, and cryopreservation of cells.
- Perform differentiation of hPSCs into neuronal and glial cell types, including astrocytes and microglia.
- Carry out characterization and quality control experiments in hPSCs and hPSC-derived cells regarding cell identity and functionality to ensure high quality, consistency and reproducibility.
- Establish and scale hPSC differentiation protocols using 2D and 3D models for high-throughput screens and cell-based assays.
- Generate QC CRISPR-engineered hPSC lines.
- Optimize protocols and troubleshoot technical issues for improvement of hPSC differentiation, creating clear and detailed SOPs to support lab operations.
- Understand underlying science and fundamental concepts behind the hPSC and derived-cells biology.
- Implement and follow detailed SOPs, ensuring accurate and reliable record keeping including electronic notebooks and all pertinent tissue culture documentation.
- Assist with lab management, tracking cell culture reagent and inventory, placing orders, and continuously working to improve lab operations.
- Train new RAs joining the team.
Job Requirements
- BS/MS or equivalent professional experience in cellular biology, biology, molecular biology, or relevant field
- With a BS degree, 4-7+ years of relevant postgraduate experience or with a MS degree, 2-5+ years of relevant postgraduate experience. Industry experience is desirable but not required.
- Extensive lab experience including demonstrated and proficient skills in mammalian cell culture procedures and associated aseptic techniques, in addition to maintenance of tissue culture facilities.
- Proficiency in ESC and iPSC (PSCs) cell culture is required.
- Experience reprogramming or differentiating PSCs into neuronal or related cell types for 2D models, as well as expertise troubleshooting and optimizing differentiation protocols.
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Outstanding critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Be both a strong individual contributor as well as a collaborative team member.
- Ability to multitask, willingness to learn and demonstrated motivation to stay up-to-date on current stem cell techniques and protocols.
- Ability to work some weekends as needed (days off can be swapped for weekdays).
Preferred Skills
- Experience working with neural 3D models is desirable.
- Experience assisting with or directly generating CRISPR engineered stem cell lines is a plus.
The base salary range for this position is $71,000 to $114,000. These amounts reflect the range of base salary that the Institute reasonably would expect to pay a new hire or internal candidate for this position. The actual base compensation paid to any individual for this position may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and whether the compensation is internally equitable, and does not include bonuses, commissions, differential pay, other forms of compensation, or benefits. This position is also eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus, with the amount dependent on individual and institute performance factors.
