Associate Scientist, Automated Systems

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is a highly successful nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate cures through stem cell research.

Over the past decade, we’ve built automated infrastructure to perform cell biology at an unprecedented scale, allowing us to create some of the largest imaging-based datasets in the world. Using cell models from hundreds to thousands of donors, we are aiming to understand disease progression, unlock novel cellular phenotypes, and work to identify the patients who can benefit most from both existing and new therapeutics.

NYSCF is seeking an Associate Scientist, Automated Systems to join the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array, a robotic system that automates iPSC derivation, gene editing, downstream differentiations, and assays. In this role, you will provide support for the production of biological material within the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array. Reporting to the Sr. Director, iPSC Production, you will work closely with other members of the Array team, including engineers, scientists, project managers, and more. 

We are looking for someone with an interest/background in production environments; you describe yourself as someone who enjoys performing routine tasks including automated and manual cell culture. Other tasks may include changing media, biological specimen preparation, and sample management. 

This is a full time position based on a 35 hour workweek; however, weekend work may be required. This position is fully onsite at our labs and offices in Midtown, Manhattan. 

• Process incoming biological specimens such as blood, saliva and skin samples.
• Perform both automated and manual cell culture of cell lines such as human fibroblasts, human peripheral blood cells and human embryonic/induced pluripotent stem cells.
• Work collaboratively with other scientists and engineers to perform all necessary automation protocols for fibroblast expansion, reprogramming, iPSC expansion and QC, and differentiations on the robotic platform(s).
• Communicate and accomplish tasks with other lab staff to plan, implement, and develop/improve novel automation assays and workflows. 
• Work closely with the laboratory operations team to ensure reagents/consumables inventory is accurately and efficiently supplied. 
• Maintain organized and accurate records and troubleshoot issues independently and provide succinct details to the automation team in the event of errors. 
• Provide routine scientific reports to key team members, particularly with sample status and management. 

• A minimum of a BSc/BA in a relevant discipline is required. MSc is a plus.
• 2 years of relevant lab experience.
• 0-6 months of experience in stem cell research and working within a production environment. 
• Human mammalian cell culture experience is required, with additional broad skills in cell and molecular biology techniques preferred.
• Proficiency in Mac and PCs, Microsoft Word, Excel (can perform complex functions), PowerPoint, and is required. 

Why Join NYSCF? At NYSCF, you will be part of a dedicated team that is transforming the landscape of stem cell research and accelerating scientific breakthroughs. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

At NYSCF, we believe diversity in all forms makes us a better team, and we celebrate it. Yet studies have shown that women, people of color, and other minoritized individuals in STEM may be less likely to apply to jobs where they do not meet all of the criteria. Therefore, if you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We offer all full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that goes into effect on the first of the month following your start date. It includes a choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with 2% employer match (immediate vesting schedule which starts after your first 90 days), short and long term insurance, life insurance, inclusive paid parental leave program, pretax transit and parking, legal aid benefits and wellness benefits. Our paid time off includes vacation, sick, personal days, flexible holidays, summer flex program, and all company holidays. If a visa is required, NYSCF will cover all of those costs. Relocation will sometimes be necessary; therefore, we will provide you with an allowance. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.  

NYSCF is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our organization. We provide equal opportunities to all applicants for employment without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The position is based at our location in Manhattan.

Recruitment Phishing Scams:

Fake job advertisements and offers are increasingly appearing on the internet. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond and report it to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/Home/ComplaintChoice.You can also contact our team jobs@nyscf.org to report details of your experience.

Please be mindful of the following:

· NYSCF will only reach out to you through an “@nyscf.org” email address.

· Other than your email address or telephone number, which you may provide via a job application portal, NYSCF will never ask you to provide personally identifiable information about yourself (such as a Social Security Number or Driver’s License Number) via a messaging application (like that used on the LinkedIn platform or Microsoft Teams or Zoom).

· NYSCF will conduct interviews face-to-face over Zoom or in person.

· All job postings will be listed on NYSCF's official career page (nyscf.org/careers). If someone contacts you about a job or position that is not listed on the official career page, please contact the NYSCF recruitment team at the contact information below.

· If you have any questions regarding the validity of a recruitment inquiry or an interview, please contact the NYSCF’s recruitment team at jobs@nyscf.org to confirm before proceeding.

Salary : $55,000 - $68,000