The Scientist will derive non-model organism primary cell lines, conduct assays corresponding to cell health, characterize lines, and occasionally perform microsurgeries. The candidate will be part of a core team responsible for optimizing and characterizing for lines derived in house and support other parts of the cell core team in gene editing workflows. This position reports to the Manger of Primary Cell and Production sub-team with the Cell Engineering and Production (CEP) core team.

This position is based on-site in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Isolate, expand, and maintain high-quality primary cell cultures from diverse non-model animal tissues.
• Innovate then execute experiments to generate and characterize primary cells from non-model mammalian organisms, develop functional assays, assess and interpret experimental workflows
• Work with team members to coordinate and execute surgical procedures.
• Work with team members to assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches
• Work on project milestones
• Attend lab meetings, prepare reports and presentations on the progress of projects
• Great organizational skills and excellent laboratory record maintenance

Required Schedule:

• Once onboarding is complete, this role will have a non-traditional workweek. The individual in this role will have 2 days off per week, but that may not be Saturday/Sunday. The individual must be available to work weekends.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of primary cell derivation, culture, propagation, and biobanking
• Expert knowledge and hands-on experience in CRISPR gene editing, including proficiency with multiple gene delivery methods such as chemical transfection, electroporation, and LNP delivery.
• Experience with flow cytometry, immunostaining, confocal microscopy
• Microdissection experience
• Surgical experience
• Strong Aseptic Technique and ability to work with antibiotic free culture
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills
• Enjoys the fast-paced startup environment and teamwork
• Exceptional organizational skills, multitasking, and attention to detail.
• Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels.
• Ability to function well in a growth-oriented, nimble environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with automated cell culture workflows.
• Previous work with mESC editing pipelines

Education and Experience:

• PhD in biological sciences, stem cell biology, genetics or related field. BS/MS with significant relevant experience will also be considered
• 4+ years hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture systems