WorkLlama, Inc.
Scientist III - (iPSC-Derived Gut Models)
WorkLlama, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
The Scientist III – (iPSC-Derived Gut Models) will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and applying advanced human in vitro gut model systems to support preclinical research and therapeutic discovery. This position focuses on iPSC-derived intestinal models and combination therapy studies to better understand disease biology and treatment responses. The Scientist III will work in a highly collaborative, cross‑functional environment, integrating cellular biology, immunology, and pharmacology to generate decision‑enabling data that supports translational research efforts.
Responsibilities:
Develop, optimize, and execute iPSC‑derived gut model systems, including 3D intestinal organoids, epithelial monolayers, and microphysiological platforms
Perform iPSC maintenance and differentiation into intestinal epithelial and endodermal lineages
Establish and run co‑culture systems with immune cells (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells) to model inflammatory disease contexts
Design and execute mono‑ and combination‑therapy studies, including dose–response and time‑course experiments using biologics and small molecules
Apply quantitative functional readouts such as barrier integrity (TEER, permeability), wound healing, mucus layer assays, and cytokine profiling
Conduct inflammatory and cell‑state analyses using ELISA/MSD, qPCR/RT‑qPCR, flow cytometry, and imaging‑based techniques
Collaborate with data science partners on transcriptomic profiling (bulk and/or single‑cell) and quantitative data analysis
Implement genetic and pharmacologic perturbations to interrogate mechanisms and predict combination responsiveness
Assess assay reproducibility, dynamic range, and throughput; adapt workflows to plate‑based and automated formats
Present experimental plans, results, and project updates to internal stakeholders and senior leadership while maintaining rigorous documentation and SOPs
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and proper maintenance of cell lines, reagents, and equipment
Education:
Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or
PhD with 1–2+ years of relevant experience
Field of study: Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related discipline
Experience: Hands‑on experience with human cell culture and at least one of the following:
iPSC maintenance and differentiation into epithelial/endodermal lineages
Intestinal organoids (enteroids) or epithelial monolayers
Proven ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot functional assays, including dose–response studies
Strong data analysis, documentation, and scientific presentation skills
Demonstrated success working in collaborative, cross‑functional research environments
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Additional Information Preferred Qualifications:
Direct experience with iPSC‑derived intestinal models (3D organoids, 2D monolayers, Transwells, gut‑on‑chip systems)
Expertise in barrier function assays, imaging‑based analyses, and cytokine profiling
Experience with automation, liquid handling, and high‑throughput assay development
Background in inflammatory disease biology
Prior industry experience in preclinical pharmacology or combination therapy testing
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Responsibilities:
Develop, optimize, and execute iPSC‑derived gut model systems, including 3D intestinal organoids, epithelial monolayers, and microphysiological platforms
Perform iPSC maintenance and differentiation into intestinal epithelial and endodermal lineages
Establish and run co‑culture systems with immune cells (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells) to model inflammatory disease contexts
Design and execute mono‑ and combination‑therapy studies, including dose–response and time‑course experiments using biologics and small molecules
Apply quantitative functional readouts such as barrier integrity (TEER, permeability), wound healing, mucus layer assays, and cytokine profiling
Conduct inflammatory and cell‑state analyses using ELISA/MSD, qPCR/RT‑qPCR, flow cytometry, and imaging‑based techniques
Collaborate with data science partners on transcriptomic profiling (bulk and/or single‑cell) and quantitative data analysis
Implement genetic and pharmacologic perturbations to interrogate mechanisms and predict combination responsiveness
Assess assay reproducibility, dynamic range, and throughput; adapt workflows to plate‑based and automated formats
Present experimental plans, results, and project updates to internal stakeholders and senior leadership while maintaining rigorous documentation and SOPs
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and proper maintenance of cell lines, reagents, and equipment
Education:
Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or
PhD with 1–2+ years of relevant experience
Field of study: Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related discipline
Experience: Hands‑on experience with human cell culture and at least one of the following:
iPSC maintenance and differentiation into epithelial/endodermal lineages
Intestinal organoids (enteroids) or epithelial monolayers
Proven ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot functional assays, including dose–response studies
Strong data analysis, documentation, and scientific presentation skills
Demonstrated success working in collaborative, cross‑functional research environments
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Additional Information Preferred Qualifications:
Direct experience with iPSC‑derived intestinal models (3D organoids, 2D monolayers, Transwells, gut‑on‑chip systems)
Expertise in barrier function assays, imaging‑based analyses, and cytokine profiling
Experience with automation, liquid handling, and high‑throughput assay development
Background in inflammatory disease biology
Prior industry experience in preclinical pharmacology or combination therapy testing
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