Senior Scientific Researcher – Epithelial Biology & Calcium Signaling

This is a 12-month 1099 contract opportunity.

Start date is January 9, 2025.

Job Summary

The Senior Scientific Research Contractor will provide highly specialized scientific and technical support for advanced biomedical research projects focused on epithelial biology, calcium signaling, ER–PM junction organization, and ion channel regulation. This role requires deep hands-on expertise in complex imaging workflows, protein biochemistry, mechanistic signaling studies, and quantitative data analysis. The contractor will independently design, execute, and analyze experiments critical to advancing the Section’s mission of defining epithelial signaling mechanisms in normal physiology and human disease.

This position demands an already highly trained scientist with demonstrated proficiency in advanced microscopy, molecular biology, biochemical techniques, and in vivo mouse model management, as the learning curve for these methodologies is extensive.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze complex in vitro and in vivo experiments focused on epithelial transport, calcium signaling, ER–PM junction dynamics, lipid–protein interactions, and ion channel function

• Independently perform advanced fluorescence imaging, including live-cell calcium imaging and near-membrane or single-channel ion channel visualization

• Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize high-resolution imaging platforms, including TIRF and confocal microscopy, with specialized techniques such as FRET and Z-scan

• Conduct advanced molecular and biochemical assays, including Western blotting, surface expression biotinylation, co-immunoprecipitation, PCR, molecular cloning, and siRNA-mediated gene knockdown

• Perform quantitative analysis of imaging and experimental datasets using ImageJ/Fiji, GraphPad Prism, and related analytical tools

• Manage mouse colonies, including genotyping, surgical procedures, tissue collection, and euthanasia in compliance with regulatory and ethical standards

• Train post-baccalaureate fellows and laboratory staff on aseptic technique, advanced microscopy, molecular cloning, cell and tissue culture, and biochemical assays

• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and experimental documentation

• Prepare publication-quality figures, datasets, and written scientific summaries for internal meetings, manuscripts, and presentations

• Provide ongoing scientific insight, experimental troubleshooting, and methodological guidance aligned with the Section’s research direction

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent graduate-level training) in Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, or a related life sciences discipline

• Extensive independent research experience in a high-level biomedical research laboratory

• Demonstrated expertise in epithelial biology, calcium signaling, and epithelial transport mechanisms

• Mastery of molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques, including Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, surface biotinylation, molecular cloning, PCR, and gene manipulation

• Proven proficiency with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy platforms (TIRF, confocal) and live-cell imaging

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with experience using ImageJ/Fiji, GraphPad Prism, and similar tools

• Experience managing mouse colonies and performing in vivo procedures

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate-level training in Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Biology, or related biotechnology disciplines

• Hands-on experience with stem cell and iPSC culture, organoid development, and tissue-engineered models

• Familiarity with computational or algorithm-based data analysis methodologies

• Experience integrating advanced in vitro or human-relevant model systems into mechanistic research programs

Deliverables

• Raw and processed datasets generated from assigned research projects

• Quantitative analyses, imaging datasets, and graphical figures suitable for publication

• Fully documented experimental protocols, conditions, and findings in standardized, reproducible formats

• Data summaries and figures for manuscripts, presentations, and internal reports

Work Environment

• Advanced biomedical research laboratory setting

• Requires extensive hands-on bench work, imaging, and animal research

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