Research Associate I

About Us
Longeveron Inc, a publicly traded (NASDAQ: LGVN), clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cellular therapies for aging-related and life-threatening conditions, with our headquarters located in Miami, FL.

Our lead investigational product is laromestrocel, which is derived from culture-expanded medicinal signaling cells (MSCs) that are sourced from bone marrow of young healthy adult donors. We believe that by using the same cells that promote tissue repair, organ maintenance, and immune system function, we can develop safe and effective therapies for some of the most difficult rare diseases and conditions associated with aging.

About the Job
The Research Associate I (RA I) reports to the Senior Scientist in the Research and Discovery department and will perform technical laboratory execution of a variety of experimental methodologies in a fast-paced laboratory environment, utilizing complex in vitro workflows relating to cell therapies, including, but not limited to, assay development, identification and validation of new cellular therapy mechanisms, microscopy, image processing workflows, and developing technologies to accelerate scientific research and discovery. This will be accomplished through the coordination of research activities involving cross-functional project teams to ensure the achievement of key deliverables. The individual will gain valuable experience across various technologies or area(s) of cell biology, neuroscience, cardiology, genetics, and bioinformatics. Research will include projects that satisfy FDA requirements and regulations for our ongoing clinical trials.

Location: This role is based onsite at our Miami location and typically requires in-office presence five days a week. Relocation assistance is not available.

**This role is not available for sponsorship, including I-983 participation.

What You’ll Do

• Contributes to key research projects through hands-on in-vitro laboratory work within the cell therapy field, usage and scientific investigation of mesenchymal stem cells, involving complex, scientifically creative activities.
• Provides technical support and execution using in-vitro techniques including human cell culture and model system development, in a small and dynamic team setting.
• Proactively drives research projects (target, biology, or technology-related) involving coordination of multiple experimental activities and groups.
• Conducts literature research to inform the execution of new research initiatives.
• Executes project deliverables on time, working closely with project managers to achieve goals.
• Assists in drafting internal reports, protocols, and SOPs, with opportunities to contribute to scientific publications.
• Maintains lab inventory (e.g. through eLab) and supports the ordering of research supplies as needed
• Coordinates regularly with direct manager to report lab developments, address concerns, and discuss any challenges or discrepancies, maintaining integrity in all communications and actions.
• Additional ad-hoc responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

What you'll need

• BS in biomedical or related study, or a master’s degree with 1+ years’ relevant experience, is required.
• 2 years’ relevant hands-on in vitro experience is preferred.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and excellent sterile technique is preferred.
• Experience with human iPSCs, mesenchymal stem cells, flow cytometry, PCR, qRT-PCR, microscopy, ELISA, MSD, enzymatic assays, or other biomarker studies is preferred.
• Experience with exosomes, RNA preparation, scRNA-seq data processing and interpretation is preferred.
• Experience working with human clinical blood or CSF samples is preferred.
• Resourcefulness and highly developed data processing skills, from Excel to SPSS, Graphpad, R, Jupyter notebooks, and/or Prism to image analysis is preferred.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrates ability to think critically, understand complex workflows, and troubleshoot as necessary and communicate promptly with a team and manager.
• Maintains a high level of integrity and ethics in accordance with the company policies and values.
• Demonstrates strong project management knowledge and time-management skills.
• Ability to work an occasional weekend or after core business hours to support work may be required.

What we offer
At Longeveron, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:

• Medical, dental and vision benefits (employee premiums covered at 100% and up to 95% coverage for spouse, child, or family plans)
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous paid time off plan and company holidays
• 2 paid company shutdowns (winter and summer)
• Employee assistance program
• Life and supplemental AD&D insurance

Physical and Environmental Requirements

This role works in a clinical manufacturing lab and involves routine use of manufacturing equipment following GMP protocols and may include exposure to cryogenic materials and biological agents. This role involves working in a clean room environment that requires the ability to follow gowning procedures and adherence to strict hygiene standards, working with a team of operators, receiving comprehensive training and support from the operations team.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to remain standing or stationary for extended periods within a cleanroom or lab setting
• Frequent use of computers and other office and lab productivity tools
• May need to lift or carry items up to 30 pounds
• Must be able to wear cleanroom gowning and PPE for extended periods and must pass cleanroom gowning certification within 90 days of start date
• Adhere to internal PPE requirements when working in controlled areas

We are currently not accepting any new third-party agencies or firms at this time. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our website, employees or Human Resources. Longeveron Inc will not pay fees to any third-party agency or firm associated with unsolicited resumes.

Longeveron is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At Longeveron, we prohibit harassment of any kind and any form of discrimination including but not limited to discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.