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LILA is seeking a Senior Research Associate to lead day-to-day mammalian cell culture operations supporting the company's research programs. This hands-on role focuses on reliability, consistency, and operational excellence in a research (non-GMP) environment.
Key responsibilities include performing routine and advanced mammalian cell culture across adherent and suspension systems, managing diverse cell types (immortalized lines, primary cells, stem cell-derived, patient-derived, co-cultures). You will monitor cell health, adapt culture conditions for sensitive cell types, and troubleshoot issues independently. The role involves managing cell banks (inventory, quality checks, STR profiling, mycoplasma status) and coordinating reagent/consumable procurement.
You will perform flow cytometry/FACS acquisition and analysis for cell characterization and quality control. A significant component involves translating manual cell culture protocols into automated/semi-automated workflows, executing and troubleshooting runs, and verifying performance against manual benchmarks. You will operate liquid handlers and other automated lab systems hands-on.
Additional duties include authoring and improving SOPs to reduce variability and improve consistency, coordinating with research and platform teams on cell supply needs and timelines, and supporting onboarding of new cell types. You will analyze and present cell culture data (viability statistics, trend monitoring) to stakeholders, maintain BSL-2 compliant lab standards, and mentor junior Research Associates on aseptic technique and automated workflow execution.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with 4+ years of hands-on cell culture experience, OR Master's degree with 2+ years of experience. Demonstrated expertise culturing diverse mammalian cell types with strong aseptic technique. Hands-on experience with flow cytometry/FACS and liquid handlers or automated lab systems. Comfort with data analysis, cell health statistics, and excellent documentation habits. Strong communication and collaboration skills across research and platform teams.
Bonus experience includes primary cell isolation/expansion, iPSC culture and differentiation, 3D culture systems, cell line authentication (STR profiling, mycoplasma testing), protocol development and validation, translating manual protocols to automation, inventory management, and familiarity with AI-native tools.
