Research Associate II

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About the Company Q-State Biosciences has developed an all-optical electrophysiology platform (Optopatch) for controlling and recording activity in electrically-active cells such as rodent primary and human iPS cell-derived neurons. The platform combines proprietary, ultrasensitive optogenetic actuators and voltage reporters, stem cell technology and advanced optical imaging. Q-State Biosciences uses custom instrumentation and software to probe cellular physiology with sub-micron spatial resolution and sub-millisecond temporal resolution. Q-State technology probes dynamic cellular physiology with far higher throughput and information content than are achieved with manual patch clamp, multi-electrode arrays or calcium- or voltage-sensitive dyes.

Q-State provides best-in-class R&D for:

• Neuronal drug discovery,
• Development and validation of in vitro models of neurological disorders
• Mechanistic studies for pharmacological compounds
• Development of antisense oligonucleotide-based candidate therapeutics

Learn more at http://www.qstatebio.com

Summary of Position Q-State Biosciences is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our Cell Biology Department. Research Associate will support and execute Q-State’s cutting edge neuronal production and characterization by working closely with Q-State’s scientific and management team to perform studies in a high quality and scientifically rigorous fashion.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Execute and troubleshoot experiments that support high quality production of neuronal cultures for Q-State’s multiple customer-based and internal R&D projects.
• Maintain and characterize multiple human iPS cell lines.
• Use transcriptional programming and directed differentiation strategies to produce various types of high-quality human iPS cell-derived neurons, including excitatory, inhibitory and motor neurons.
• Carry out RNA and DNA preparations from human cell lines and cultured neurons.
• Perform candidate gene expression analysis using quantitative PCR assays.
• Assess protein expression using immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting and ELISA.
• Assist with cell culture lab operations, including inventory, purchasing of lab reagents and supplies, and aliquoting of recombinant protein and lentiviral particle stocks.
• Communicate work progress via technical reports, powerpoint presentations, and seminars at internal meetings.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, cell biology, biotechnology or a related field.
• Strong background in Molecular and Cell Biology principles and methods.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and DNA/RNA/Protein preparation and readout assays (PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry).
• Ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Experience in a clinical lab setting is a plus.
• Experience with human iPS cells and neuronal cultures is a plus.
• Experience with 96/384-well cultures and high-throughput screening is a plus.
• Experience with rodent dissections (CNS tissue) is a plus.