Sr Scientist In Vitro R&D Contractor in Morrisville, North Carolina at PROKIDNEY

Morrisville, North Carolina, United States

Position Title: Sr Scientist In Vitro R&D Contractor

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist / Senior Scientist to support mechanism of action (MoA) elucidation for rilparencel, our autologous kidney cell therapy currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical study, as well as the development of next-generation cell therapies. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will translate translational biology hypotheses into rigorous experimental designs that generate the definitive data needed to support publications and potential regulatory filings.

The ideal candidate is a strategic scientific problem-solver who navigates the non-linear dynamics of complex biological systems. You possess the scientific maturity to design robust experimental frameworks that deconstruct biological noise and contextualize donor variability. Leveraging hands-on expertise in multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, and genetic engineering, you will design advanced models to deconvolute cellular heterogeneity and interrogate pathways of interest. You possess the ability to synthesize high-dimensional, multi-modal datasets into actionable insights that shape our overarching translational strategy and cross-functional decision-making.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Mechanism of Action Elucidation

• Autologous Modeling: Design in vitro systems that deliberately account for and characterize donor heterogeneity and functional variability within an in vitro disease model system.
• Phenotypic Profiling: Utilize multi-parameter flow cytometry (FACS) for high-resolution cell sorting, phenotyping, and functional characterization within heterogeneous populations.
• Target validation: Apply gene editing technologies to interrogate specific molecular mechanisms.

R&D Analytical Development

• Mechanism-Informed Assay Design: Develop and evaluate novel functional testing methodologies to identify and inform prospective therapeutic potency metrics.
• Optimization & Diagnostics: Establish rigorous experimental controls to maximize signal-to-noise ratios and autonomously investigate complex biological datasets to inform experimental strategies.
• Quality & Reproducibility: Design highly reproducible workflows that ensure data integrity and adherence to standard operating procedures.

Data Interpretation & Communication

• Data Synthesis: Integrate and visualize multi-modal datasets to generate a cohesive understanding of biological mechanisms.
• Scientific Communication: Communicate experimental findings effectively across cross-functional groups.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Experience

• Scientist / Sr. Scientist: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Systems Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field with 0+ / 2+ years of industry or relevant post-doctoral experience; OR a Masters degree with 2+ / 4+ years of industry experience; OR a Bachelors degree with 4+ / 8+ years of industry experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Flow Cytometry / FACS: Multi-parameter flow cytometry panel design, execution, and data analysis for cellular phenotyping and functional profiling.
• Gene Editing: Hands-on experience with molecular gene editing tools to engineer cells or model specific pathway manipulations.
• Assay Development: A proven track record of independently designing, optimizing, and functionally validating non-standard cell-based assays.
• Complex Systems: Hands-on experience working with primary human cells, complex co-culture systems, or tissue models where cell behavior is highly context dependent.
• Autonomy & Agility: Capability to operate with autonomy in a fast-paced environment, shifting technical directions fluidly as new data emerges.

Skills List:

• Assay development and validation
• Flow cytometry / FACS
• Molecular biology and gene editing
• Mammalian cell culture / co-culture
• Analytical instrument troubleshooting
• Data synthesis and statistical analysis
• SOP compliance
• Analytical problem solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Project management and autonomy