Scientist III - Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

Aptask Global Workforce (AGW) is seeking a Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics for a 24 month contract position with a Pharmaceutical Company located in Ridgefield, CT.

The successful candidate will support discovery research programs within Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic Diseases through hands-on operation of laboratory automation platforms, mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and functional genomics studies. This role requires reliable execution of automation and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, exceptional attention to detail, and independent troubleshooting of routine experimental or platform issues.

Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments supporting target validation and discovery research, including routine mammalian cell culture, assay execution, image-based analysis, and iPSC-derived cell workflows
• Operate and monitor established laboratory automation workflows for cell-based and molecular assays, troubleshoot routine issues, and escalate complex problems appropriately
• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation and execute NGS workflows for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, and related applications, including library preparation, quality control, quantification, normalization, sequencing setup, and sequencer operation
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, nucleic acid and protein quantification, Western blotting, and basic sample preparation; analyze and interpret results, identify technical issues, and communicate findings and recommended follow-up clearly
• Maintain accurate sample, reagent, consumable, experimental metadata, and electronic laboratory notebook records while complying with SOPs, safety requirements, company policies, and data integrity standards
• Collaborate across cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics groups

Requirements:

• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, or a related scientific discipline
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell biology, and cell-based assay execution
• Hands-on NGS workflow experience, including tissue, cell, and/or nuclei dissociation, sequencing library preparation, quality control, and quantification for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, or related applications
• Some hands-on experience with laboratory automation, automated instrumentation, or standardized high-throughput workflows, with the ability and interest to develop further expertise in operating and troubleshooting automated cell-based and molecular assays; automation programming is not required
• Exceptional attention to detail and demonstrated ability to accurately execute lengthy, multi-step protocols while maintaining sample integrity, data quality, and complete documentation
• Ability to independently troubleshoot routine experimental or operational issues, communicate clearly, and work effectively in a collaborative research environment

Desired skills:

• Experience running laboratory automation platforms for cell-based or molecular assays
• Experience with sequencing run setup and sequencer operation Instrument-specific operation can be trained when required
• Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell culture, differentiation, characterization, or iPSC-derived cell assays
• Experience with kidney organoid culture systems

Pay range: up to $53.16 per hour

Only candidates available and ready to work directly as Aptask Global Workforce (AGW) employees will be considered for this position.

If you have the described qualifications and are interested in this exciting opportunity, apply today!

Aptask Global Workforce (AGW)
ApTask Global Workforce (AGW) is a certified Minority and Veteran workforce solutions company. AGW delivers operational, clinical, lab and professional talent with a strong focus on healthcare and life sciences. The company supports clients with reliable staffing, program expertise and a commitment to quality, speed and consistent delivery.

Benefits of working with ApTask Global Workforce include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Sick Pay (for applicable states/municipalities)

Our team stays close to the process and is here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more, please visit our website

ApTask Global Workforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.