Senior Research Associate, Stem Cell Engineering
Colossal Biosciences
Colossal Biosciences is seeking a skilled and motivated stem cell engineer to support our efforts in engineering embryonic and pluripotent cell systems for non-model species. This role will work closely with scientists across our mammalian de-extinction and conservation programs to optimize and apply protocols in embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell culture, reprogramming, and 3D cell systems.
The Senior Research Associate will contribute to experimental planning, execution, and documentation, and play a key role in advancing foundational stem cell platforms for use in cellular engineering, embryo support, and translational biology across marsupial species. This role involves close collaboration with multiple internal teams and requires excellent communication, adaptability, and a strong team-oriented mindset.
This position is based on-site in our Dallas, TX location. Relocation assistance is available.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design, development, and execution of novel experiments, techniques, and protocols under the guidance of scientists, with growing autonomy in protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
- Perform and support 2D and 3D cell culture of primary, immortalized, ESC, and iPSC lines with high technical accuracy.
- Conduct and troubleshoot FACS, Western blotting, qPCR, immunostaining, transfection, and microscopy-based assays.
- Support stem cell reprogramming workflows, including those for non-model species, with adaptability and a willingness to learn species-specific protocols.
- Maintain and optimize 3D culture systems, including spheroid and organoid models.
- Characterize and perform quality control of marsupial stem cell cultures, with training provided where needed.
- Document experimental work thoroughly and contribute to reports, presentations, and publications.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date digital lab records and follow team SOPs and quality standards.
- Support live cell maintenance, including occasional weekend work depending on feeding or culture requirements.
Skills and Abilities
Required
- Experience working with primary embryonic and iPSC cultures, including maintenance and expansion techniques.
- Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, immunohistochemistry, colony picking, and stem cell passaging workflows.
- Familiarity with stem cell reprogramming technologies, particularly iPSC generation and validation.
- Experience using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and inventory management systems (e.g., Benchling) for data tracking and reagent management.
Preferred
- Experience with RNA extraction, RNA handling, and protein quantification assays (e.g., ELISA and Western blot).
- Experience with cell line derivation, propagation, and transfection methodologies, especially when following established protocols.
- Familiarity with sequence analysis software such as SnapGene or Geneious.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences, molecular and cell biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, developmental biology, or a related field.
- Prior experience as a Research Associate or Technician in an academic or biotechnology industry setting is a plus.
- Experience with non-model systems or comparative biology is welcomed but not required.
What Colossal Offers Full-Time Employees:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Excellent paid time off and company holidays so you can rest and recharge
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Company matched 401k retirement plan
- Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
- Education reimbursement
- An opportunity to help us return the Earth to a healthier state
The team at Colossal is committed, colorful, passionate, intelligent, collaborative, creative, experienced, scientific and world-class. That sounds like a lot to fit into one building. That’s why we are spread out in several locations that include laboratories, test facilities, academic institutions, libraries and offices.
Through it all, however, we maintain a culture of positivity, hope, happiness and belief that we’re doing something big. Something Colossal.
Colossal is proud to be an equal employment opportunity workplace. We welcome people from all backgrounds as well as celebrate and support diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment so everyone can thrive.
Search Firm Representatives: Colossal does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. No fees will be paid for a hired candidate where no pre-existing agreement is in place. We handle most recruitment in-house.
Colossal is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn for 3 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, and 2025:
- #1 on the 50 Best Startups to Work For in Dallas in 2023!
- 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Dallas in 2024 & 2025
- 100 Best Places to Work in Dallas, TX (All Size Employers) in 2024 & 2025
Great Place to Work Certification Page
Most Loved Workplace Certification Page - Proud to be certified as a most loved workplace including: most loved CEO, most loved workplaces for LGBTQ+, most loved workplaces for women, and most loved workplaces for young professionals.
Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces 2024 Award List - Excited to be amongst the winners of Newsweek's 2024 Most Loved Workplaces!