Scientist III

Scientist III – Cell-Based Assays & In Vitro Development | 12-Month Contract | Ridgefield, CT

Location: Ridgefield, CT (Onsite/Hybrid)
Duration: 12 Months
Company: Sigma Systems
Job ID: 37269353

Job Overview
Sigma Systems is seeking a Scientist III to support in vitro assay development and cellular biology studies in a fast-paced research environment. This role focuses on executing and optimizing cell-based assays, molecular biology workflows, and exploratory experiments to support scientific programs.

You will work independently on routine and non-routine experiments, contribute to assay development, and collaborate across teams to generate high-quality, reproducible biological data.

Key Responsibilities

Design, execute, and analyze in vitro cellular assays to support assay development programs, ensuring high consistency and experimental rigor.

Conduct routine and non-routine studies independently with minimal supervision, maintaining strong attention to detail and experimental reproducibility.

Plan and perform exploratory and follow-up experiments, interpreting results and proposing next steps based on scientific findings.

Support assay development in areas including:

• Aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques
• Cell-based functional assays
• In vitro gene delivery experiments (non-viral preferred)
• Cellular imaging-based assays

Perform molecular biology techniques such as:

• Nucleic acid extraction
• RT-PCR / qPCR
• Western blotting
• ELISA

Operate and maintain laboratory instruments independently, ensuring proper troubleshooting and functionality.

Apply scientific principles to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, including literature review and protocol adaptation when required.

Maintain high-quality documentation in electronic lab notebooks, ensuring data integrity and compliance with SOPs and regulatory standards.

Communicate results clearly through written reports and oral presentations, contributing to protocols, technical documentation, and scientific summaries.

Ensure all work is conducted safely and in compliance with applicable laboratory and organizational guidelines.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline + 1+ years of experience
OR
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related discipline + 7+ years of experience

Preferred academic backgrounds include: Computer Science, Genomics, Biostatistics, or Bioinformatics (or related fields)

Hands-on experience with:

• Mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques
• Molecular biology methods (RT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, nucleic acid extraction)
• In vitro cellular assay execution and basic assay development

Strong understanding of:

• Experimental design and data interpretation
• Basic scientific literature review and protocol adaptation
• Data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:

• Non-viral gene delivery techniques in vitro
• Cell-based imaging assays
• Functional cellular assay development

Demonstrated ability to:

• Troubleshoot experimental workflows independently
• Work effectively in fast-paced, collaborative research environments
• Contribute to assay design and experimental strategy discussions

Strong skills in:

• Scientific writing and technical reporting
• Clear oral and written communication
• Data integrity and documentation practices
• Adaptability and rapid learning in experimental settings