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Senior Scientist, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Chicago, IL 60642

Posted: 03/11/2025 Employment Type: Contract To Hire Job Category: Scientific Job Number: 618284 Is job remote?: No Country: United States

Job Description

PRIMARY ROLE: A small Bioscience company, pioneering cell therapy company, is seeking a talented and highly motivated researcher with experience in molecular and cellular biology to foster the development of innovative therapies for various therapeutic indications.  The successful candidate will be a key R&D team member in developing new pipeline works. This position requires a hands-on individual with expertise in molecular and cellular biology technologies and strategies. The successful candidate will have years of experience in cell culture and cell differentiation, including understanding multiple cell types such as human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs and/or hESCs).  Additional expertise in molecular biology, cell therapy, gene therapy/gene editing, vision science, or functional genomics is preferred.  Knowledge of analytical assay development, as well as high-throughput screening, is a plus. The R&D team will collaborate closely with PD, AD, and QA colleagues and lead external collaborations with contract development (CRO).

As a member of the research and development team, you will work under the direction of the Director, Molecular and Cellular Biology to optimize and develop pipelines, starting with our chemically induced cellular reprogramming program. This is an exciting interdisciplinary role in a dynamic, rapidly advancing company that will contribute directly to the progression of new therapies as well as the identification of new technologies and disease-modifying therapeutics. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:       
  • Contribute to design and execute the research and development strategy for innovative pipelines.
  • Take the lead on assigned R&D initiatives.
  • Design, conduct, and optimize molecular and cellular biology experiments to support research and development objectives.
  • Conduct experiments in molecular and cellular biology, including but not limited to:
  • DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR and molecular cloning
  • Protein expression and analysis (e.g. western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry)
  • Cell culture, transfection, and functional assays
  • Contribute to evaluating, coordinating, and leading external CROs or intercompany activities.
  • Contribute to the development of complex assays in cell cultures to support drug discovery programs.
  • Support the preparation of R&D sections for fundraising initiatives or regulatory submissions.
  • Support the RD budgeting planning by providing the estimated cost of materials and equipment associated with each project.
  • Actively contribute to or take a leadership role in cross-functional teams and projects.
  • Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to junior team members.
  • Prepare, review, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs), experimental plans, and technical reports.
  • Support research development by ensuring adequate inventory levels of materials and supplies are maintained.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental data and observations.
  • Operate, maintain, calibrate, and validate essential lab equipment such as biological safety cabinets, incubators, pipet aids, balances, and centrifugation.
  • Collaborate with internal and external multidisciplinary teams to achieve pipeline development.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
  • Ability to work a standard schedule and limited weekend work as necessary to complete experiments.
  • May perform additional duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline. PhD and 3-5 years of relevant experience, master’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience, or bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant research experience, industry preferred.
    • Extensive hands-on experience in cellular reprogramming.
    • Proficiency in cell culture techniques, preferred in primary cells, stem cells, and differentiated cell types.
    • Expertise in molecular or cellular biology techniques, such as qPCR, flow cytometry, and HCI.
    • Strong knowledge of cell signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in cell fate decisions and reprogramming.
    • Familiarity with RNA-seq or proteomic techniques is desirable
    • Capability to lead and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
    • Proved experience in managing, training, and mentoring junior staff.
    • Experience drafting R&D sections for fundraising initiatives or regulatory submissions is a plus
    • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and present complex datasets.
    • Organized, detail-oriented, and excellent record-keeping skills.
    • Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, JMP)
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Prove ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize assignments.
    • Ability to work independently with direction and perform well in a team environment

    • The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly and never provide banking information during the application process. Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma.

    Planet Pharma is an equal opportunity employer. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.

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    Although this hasn't been an issue at Planet Pharma, the staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly and never provide banking information during the application process. Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma.