Careers

The Regenerative Research Foundation/Neural Stem Cell Institute has open positions for research personnel.

Postdoctoral Scientist, Cell Therapy Biomanufacturing and Macular Degeneration Research

The Neural Stem Cell Institute (NSCI) is seeking an experienced PhD scientist for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in Cell Therapy Biomanufacturing and Macular Degeneration Research. This role is focused on development of a novel cell replacement therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This position is part of an academic-industry partnership, dedicated to advancing a clinical stage retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) stem cell therapy with significant translational objectives.

The successful candidate will join Dr. Brigitte Arduini’s team, where you will be instrumental in advancing manufacturing process developments. We are looking for a rigorous, detail-oriented scientist to contribute to the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) of this new adult stem cell therapy. Beyond your core responsibilities, you’ll also have exciting opportunities to explore single cell sequencing, evaluate AI-driven image analysis, develop novel assays, and learn about FDA regulatory guidance. Your expertise will be vital in bringing this promising therapy closer to patients.

Responsibilities:

Design and organize experimental plans with guidance, conduct experiments, analyze data
Solve technical and logistical problems in project execution
Provide guidance to team members
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of experimental details, cross-check with team members
Generate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical reports
Collaborate with and learn from the translational team, including clinical and regulatory considerations

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD or equivalent
Background in cell biology, biomanufacturing or upstream process development for cell products
Strong statistical analysis skills
Familiarity with GLP/GMP requirements and SOP development
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills, ability to balance multiple project tasks, attention to detail

Key skills:

Stem cell culture and quality control
Primary cell isolation and culture
Cryopreservation
Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR
Microscopy, image analysis

Computational biology skills and background in retina biology will be highly valued. Ability to work in a fast-paced team science environment is essential.

The NSCI’s Retinal Research Group, led by Drs. Jeffrey Stern and Sally Temple, is making exciting advances in preclinical and clinical investigation. The NSCI is a dynamic environment dedicated to the development of regenerative stem cell therapies for nervous system diseases. The Institute is located in the capital district of NY, a vibrant scientific region with multiple research organizations and a growing biotech sector. The Neural Stem Cell Institute is dedicated to building a diverse community and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about NSCI, please visit, visit: www.neuralsci.org

To apply: Applicants should email their CV and contact information for at least two references, with a 1-2 page cover letter, to brigittearduini@neuralsci.org. The cover letter should outline the applicant’s relevant skills, why they are interested in cell biomanufacturing, and their reasons for pursuing this position. Please include “RPE Biomanufacturing Position” in the email subject line.

Postdoctoral Fellow Position – Development of Novel Intracellular Antibody Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Disorders

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Butler lab. The primary focus of this position is to develop novel intracellular antibody (intrabody) therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins, with the ultimate goal of advancing these therapeutics from preclinical to clinical pipelines.

Research:

Numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease, share a common molecular pathway involving protein misfolding. This misfolding generates toxic species and triggers pathogenic cascades in the CNS. The Butler lab’s long-term goal is to develop immunotherapeutics that protect against these disorders by targeting mutant Huntington, synuclein, and tau proteins for degradation. Through recombinant antibody technologies, innovative bifunctional intrabody reagents will be developed to specifically prevent misfolding of neurodegenerative proteins. These reagents will direct the proteins into normal clearance pathways in iPSC-derived neurons, replicating disease phenotypes observed in the human brain. The research will employ advanced techniques such as CRISPR-edited iPSCs, iPSC-derived organoids, RNASeq/single-cell transcriptome analysis, immunoprecipitation, FACS sorting, and immunofluorescence.

Requirements:

The position requires a highly motivated individual with a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree who aspires to develop an independent research career.

The ideal applicant will possess:

Protein Characterization: Skills in SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunoassays for assessing antibody quality, specificity, and functionality.
Molecular Biology Techniques: Strong skills in DNA manipulation, PCR, cloning, gene expression, and recombinant protein expression.
Cell Culture Techniques: Experience in cell culture, including maintaining cell lines, transfection/transduction methods, and mammalian expression systems.
Analytical Techniques: Proficiency in flow cytometry, SPR, BLI, ELISAs, and other analytical methods for antibody screening, characterization, and affinity determination.
Antibody Engineering: Proficiency in antibody engineering techniques, including structure and function, library construction, screening, humanization, affinity maturation, and production/purification.
Immunology Knowledge: Solid understanding of antigen-antibody interactions, immune response mechanisms, antibody isotypes, and immunological assays.
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for analyzing antibody sequences, predicting antigen binding sites, and interpreting experimental data.
Problem-Solving and Experimental Design: Strong problem-solving skills and ability to optimize experiments, enhancing antibody affinity, specificity, and stability.

Career Development

Candidates can expect active mentorship and a positive, success-oriented work environment, providing opportunities for professional growth and development in both academic and industry career paths. Regular meetings with the Principal Investigator (PI) will ensure that mutual expectations are met. Engaging in the latest advancements, scientific literature, conferences, and scientific communities is encouraged. Additional resume-building activities will be encouraged to support the goal of becoming an independent faculty or research scientist.

Application: Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been selected. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, an updated CV, complete contact information for three references (1-2 pages) to nsci-hr@neuralsci.org

Research Technician: Intrabody Therapeutics

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join the Butler lab.

Research:

Join our team in investigating the shared molecular pathway of protein misfolding in various neurodegenerative diseases. Your role will involve supporting the development of immunotherapeutics through targeted degradation of huntingtin, synuclein, and tau proteins to reduce cellular toxicity. We are a multidisciplinary lab that utilizes recombinant antibody technologies, CRISPR-edited iPSCs, iPSC-derived organoids, RNASeq/single-cell transcriptome analysis, immunoprecipitation, FACS sorting, and immunofluorescence.

Requirements:

We seek a highly motivated individual with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, preferably with prior laboratory experience.

Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques, including molecular biology (PCR, cloning), protein characterization (Western blotting, ELISA), and cell culture (cell line maintenance).
Antibody Techniques: Familiarity with antibody-related techniques such as antibody production and purification, immunoassays, and antibody screening methods.
Analytical Techniques: Basic knowledge of analytical techniques used in antibody engineering, such as flow cytometry, ELISAs, and data analysis.
Research Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn new techniques and assist with various aspects of the research project.
Communication: Good written and verbal communication skills to effectively document experiments and collaborate with team members.

Career Development:

As a Research Technician, you will receive guidance and mentorship from experienced researchers. Opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills will be provided, supporting your professional growth in the field.

Application:

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, updated CV, and contact information for two references to nsci-hr@neuralsci.org