Role Overview: We are seeking a hands-on Contract Scientist with strong experimental biology expertise to advance iPSC-derived gut models for evaluating combination therapies for inflammatory diseases (e.g., IBD). Working closely with DAGS, Immunology, and Pharmacology colleagues, the contractor will culture and differentiate human iPSCs into intestinal lineages (e.g., epithelial monolayers and 3D organoids/enteroids), establish microphysiological systems, and design and execute combination therapy studies. The successful candidate will optimize functional assays, perform doseresponse and matrixed combination experiments, analyze synergy/antagonism, and deliver clear, actionable data packages to cross-functional teams.
Job Title: Contract Scientist (iPSC-Derived Gut Models)
Organization: Client Genome Sciences (Client), Department of Data, AI, and Genome Sciences (DAGS)
Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)
Contract Type: Full-time contractor
Lab based role, onsite 5days/week
Required Qualifications
MS with 5 years or PhD with 12 years of relevant experience in molecular/cellular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or related field
Hands-on experience with human cell culture and at least one of:
o iPSC maintenance and differentiation into epithelial/endodermal lineages
o Intestinal organoids (enteroids) or epithelial monolayers
Proven ability to execute and troubleshoot functional assays; experience running doseresponse studies and quantitative assay analysis
Strong documentation, data analysis, and presentation skills; success working in collaborative, cross-functional settings
Excellent communication skills with ability to present clear scientific data and project updates to diverse audiences
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience with iPSC-derived intestinal models, including 3D organoids, 2D monolayers, Transwells, and/or gut-on-chip systems
Expertise in barrier function assays (TEER, permeability), imaging-based analyses, and cytokine profiling
Experience with automation, liquid handling, and high-throughput assay development
Background in inflammatory disease biology and prior industry experience in preclinical combination testing or pharmacology
Personality:
Reliable person
Detail oriented
Adaptable
Following aseptic processes
Dedicated
Collaborative mindset
Strong comm. skills
Follows SOP's
Red Flag:
Not looking for a manager or lab managers or someone looking for a management role or a key strategist role.
About the Team: The Client Genome Sciences (Client) iPSC disease modeling group within the Department of Data, AI, and Genome Sciences (DAGS) partners with Immunology and cross-functional teams to evaluate therapeutic strategies based on human-relevant models. Our mission is to build and apply robust iPSC-derived systems to understand mechanisms in human disease and to test mono- and combination therapies under controlled, scalable in vitro conditions. We leverage genetic and pharmacological perturbations in iPSC-derived gut models to inform therapeutic combination design and prioritization.
The contractor is expected to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic early discovery environment.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, optimize, and execute iPSC-derived gut model systems:
o Differentiation of iPSCs into 3D intestinal organoids.
o Co-cultures with immune cells (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells), and 3D organoid model system.
o Microphysiological platforms to model barrier and tissue microenvironment
Design and run combination therapy studies:
o Plan mono- and pairwise/multi-drug matrices; include biologics, small molecules, and pathway-targeted agents
o Execute doseresponse and time-course experiments; incorporate inflammatory stimuli (e.g., cytokine cocktails, bacterial products) to model disease-relevant contexts
o Analyze combination effects for synergy/additivity/antagonism and generate decision-enabling summaries
Apply quantitative, mechanism-informed readouts:
o Barrier integrity and function assays (TEER, permeability, wound healing, mucus layer assays)
o Inflammatory and cell-state profiling (cytokine/chemokine panels via ELISA/MSD, qPCR/RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, high-content imaging, immunofluorescence)
o Transcriptomic profiling (bulk or single cell preferred) for pathway engagement; collaborate with data scientists for analysis.
Implement perturbations and model qualification:
o Genetic and pharmacological perturbations to dissect mechanisms and predict combination responsiveness.
o Assess reproducibility, dynamic range, and throughput; adapt assays to plate-based formats (96-/384-well) and support automation readiness.
Collaborate cross-functionally:
o Partner with immunology, pharmacology, and data science teams to prioritize combinations, refine hypotheses, and align in vitro models with translational endpoints.
o Present experimental plans and results to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership; maintain rigorous documentation and SOPs.
Ensure compliance with safety practices and proper maintenance of cell lines, reagents, and equipment.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
- Dice Id: 10103941a
- Position Id: 26-00701
- Posted 1 day ago
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