Senior Research Scientist - Cell Biology & Tissue Models

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Research Scientist to lead the development and application of cell-based assays and three-dimensional tissue models within Pandorum’s Cellular Engineering team. The position combines mammalian cell culture, disease-relevant model development, biochemical analysis and evaluation of biological activity.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience or a related life-science discipline.

Experience: Typically 3–6 years of relevant post-Ph.D. research or industry experience; demonstrated scientific independence and directly relevant expertise will guide assessment..

Key Responsibilities

• •Perform biochemical, molecular and cell-based assays; analyze results and maintain complete laboratory records.
• •Design controlled experiments with predefined objectives, appropriate comparators and biological replication; retain complete records and critically assess all findings.
• •Establish, maintain and characterize human cellular, multicellular and 3D tissue models, including spheroids or organoids appropriate to the research question.
• •Develop and qualify assays for biological activity in disease-relevant systems, drawing on expertise in inflammation, fibrosis and tissue repair.
• •Characterize experimental materials using appropriate biochemical and molecular methods, and perform quantitative cell-based assays.
• •Evaluate concentration-dependent and time-dependent responses, model reproducibility and tissue-relevant function alongside viability and appropriate controls.
• •Work with colleagues to investigate assay variability, establish suitable controls and improve method reproducibility.
• •Prepare technical reports, present findings and contribute to assay transfer and preclinical study documentation.
• •Own experimental plans and milestones, maintain SOPs and technical reports, communicate findings clearly and mentor junior team members.

Preferred Experience

• •Experience with quantitative imaging, molecular assays and integration of structural and functional readouts; assay transfer or collaboration with external research laboratories.
• •Strong hands-on mammalian cell-culture, cell-biology and molecular-biology skills, with evidence of independent experimental design, troubleshooting and quantitative data interpretation.
• •Ability to perform and interpret biochemical or molecular characterization alongside quantitative cell-based assays, with clear documentation and scientific communication.
• •Demonstrated independent ownership of disease-relevant assay development, including hands-on establishment and characterization of at least one human 3D culture, spheroid, organoid or multicellular tissue model.
• •Scientific depth in inflammation, fibrosis, tissue repair, neurobiology or a related area, with the ability to apply that expertise across experimental systems.
• •Working understanding of cellular signaling, gene expression and molecular mechanisms relevant to cell-based research.
• •Experience with organoid development, stem-cell differentiation or advanced human co-culture models.
• •Experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) maintenance and characterization, directed differentiation, or neuronal/glial cultures.
• •Experience with extracellular-vesicle (EV) biology, biochemical characterization or functional and potency assays.