Scientist III – Cell Biology & Functional Genomics | Contract | Ridgefield, CT

Location: Ridgefield, CT (Onsite)

Duration: October 19, 2026 – October 13, 2028

Job ID: 37645476

Job Overview

Sigma Systems is seeking a Scientist III – Cell Biology & Functional Genomics to support discovery research programs within Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic Diseases. This role focuses on hands-on mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, laboratory automation, functional genomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows.

The successful candidate will execute established automated cell culture and assay workflows, support iPSC-derived kidney organoid processes, and perform NGS-related laboratory activities. The role requires exceptional attention to detail, accurate sample and reagent tracking, adherence to established protocols, and independent troubleshooting of routine experimental and platform issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments supporting target validation and discovery research, including mammalian cell culture, assay execution, image-based analysis, and iPSC-derived cell workflows.

• Operate and monitor established laboratory automation platforms for cell-based and molecular assays, troubleshoot routine issues, and escalate complex problems appropriately.

• Support automated cell culture workflows and iPSC-derived kidney organoid processes, with platform-specific training provided as needed.

• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation procedures to support next-generation sequencing workflows.

• Execute NGS workflows, including:

  • Bulk RNA-seq

  • Single-cell RNA-seq

  • Single-nucleus RNA-seq

  • Related sequencing applications

• Perform sequencing library preparation, quality control, quantification, normalization, sequencing setup, and sequencer operation.

• Conduct routine molecular biology techniques, including:

  • DNA/RNA extraction

  • PCR and qPCR

  • Nucleic acid and protein quantification

  • Western blotting

  • Basic sample preparation

• Analyze and interpret experimental results, identify technical issues, and communicate findings and recommended follow-up actions.

• Maintain accurate sample, reagent, consumable, experimental metadata, and electronic laboratory notebook records.

• Follow SOPs, safety requirements, company policies, and data integrity standards.

• Collaborate with cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics teams to support research objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; or

• Equivalent combination of education and experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, or a related scientific discipline.

• Minimum education requirement: Bachelor’s degree.

• Strong hands-on experience with:

  • Mammalian cell culture

  • Cell biology

  • Cell-based assay execution

• Hands-on NGS workflow experience, including tissue, cell, and/or nuclei dissociation, sequencing library preparation, quality control, and quantification.

• Experience with bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, or related applications.

• Some hands-on experience with laboratory automation, automated instrumentation, or standardized high-throughput workflows.

• Ability and willingness to develop further expertise in operating and troubleshooting automated cell-based and molecular assays.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to execute lengthy, multi-step protocols while maintaining sample integrity, data quality, and complete documentation.

• Ability to independently troubleshoot routine experimental or operational issues.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:

• Running laboratory automation platforms for cell-based or molecular assays.

• Sequencing run setup and sequencer operation.

• Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, differentiation, characterization, or iPSC-derived cell assays.

• Kidney organoid culture systems.

• Automated cell-based and molecular assay workflows.

• Functional genomics and discovery research applications.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Troubleshoot routine experimental and platform issues independently.

• Follow established protocols with precision and consistency.

• Maintain accurate sample tracking and experimental documentation.

• Collaborate effectively across cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics teams.

• Adapt to new laboratory platforms and workflow-specific training.

Core Technical Skills

• Mammalian Cell Culture

• Cell-Based Assays

• Cell Biology

• Functional Genomics

• Laboratory Automation

• Automated Instrumentation

• NGS Workflows

• Bulk RNA-seq

• Single-Cell RNA-seq

• Single-Nucleus RNA-seq

• Tissue, Cell & Nuclei Dissociation

• Sequencing Library Preparation

• Quality Control & Quantification

• DNA/RNA Extraction

• PCR / qPCR

• Western Blotting

• iPSC-Derived Cell Workflows

• Kidney Organoid Culture

• Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN)

• SOP Compliance & Data Integrity