The Scientist I/ Scientist II (Cell Biology-Hepatocyte) will be involved in developing methods to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into functional hepatocytes and demonstrating their utility in drug discovery, development, and toxicity screening.

Responsibilities:

• Design experiments and develop assays to identify conditions for endoderm and hepatocyte differentiation


• Characterize in vitro differentiated hepatocytes at the molecular, cellular and functional levels


• Identify methods to enrich in vitro differentiated functional hepatocytes


• Develop methods to expand hepatocyte progenitor cells


• Develop assays to promote and assess hepatocyte maturation


• Develop methods to maintain mature hepatocyte characteristics


• Develop cryopreservation protocols


• Participate and make intellectual contribution in group meetings and departmental meetings


• Closely interact with the Diabetes, Core facility and Cell Technology groups to facilitate experimental processes


• Integrate data analysis within the group to achieve the maximal information transfer and to accomplish the milestones of the group


• Establish effective communication and rapport with the internal team and external collaborators to achieve the goals set forth by the Alliance Steering Committee


• Train others to transmit knowledge and skills

Qualifications:

• To be considered for a Scientist I or Scientist II position, the candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in the field of Hepatology, Hepatotoxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or other related fields, and have 2-8 years of postdoctoral or equivalent industrial experience in the related field


• Extensive experience in cell culture is required. Experience in handling mouse or human embryonic stem cells is not required, but candidates with such experience will be given preferential considerations


• Extensive experience in basic analytic skills (e.g., real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry) is required


• The candidate must have strong knowledge and aptitude to perform literature search to formulate creative ideas toward reaching the goal of the group


• The candidate must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills along with excellent oral and written communication capabilities


• Must thrive in a team-oriented and entrepreneurial environment


• Due to the nature of cell culture, the candidate must be willing to adopt a flexible work schedule