Research Associate

Department: MED-Transplant Surgery
Salary/Grade: RES/

The minimum pay for this position is $63,480 in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary:

The Comprehensive Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory (CTIL) at Northwestern University, Chicago, is seeking a Research Associate to execute laboratory development of mammalian cell-culture and extracellular-vesicle (EV) production and purification methods. The unique position is in collaboration with Pandorum International, a tissue engineering and regenerative medicine company, and includes analytical characterization, process optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer within Pandorum's Cellular Engineering team.

This research staff member will take ownership of laboratory studies, develop reliable methods, analyze results, and collaborate with colleagues to deliver research milestones.

Team Collaboration

Collaborate with colleagues in Pandorum Technologies, India, and other scientific functions. Share methods and results, contribute to technical discussions, and support coordinated project delivery.

Contact:

Interested candidates should email the following items to Dr. Dinesh Jaishankar at dinesh.jaishankar@northwestern.edu with the subject line Applicant Name_Pandorum EPD RA Position.

• Cover letter
• Statement of research interests, qualifications, and career goals
• Curriculum vitae (including publications list)
• Names and contact information of 3 references

Specific Responsibilities:

• Perform biochemical, molecular, and cell-based assays; analyze results and maintain complete laboratory records.
• Design controlled experiments with predefined objectives, appropriate comparators and biological replication; retain complete records and critically assess all findings.
• Develop and optimize mammalian cell-culture and upstream production processes, evaluating product yield, quality, consistency and biological activity.
• Develop EV harvest, concentration and purification workflows; investigate recovery, purity and stability while preserving functional activity.
• Apply cell-culture and molecular-biology techniques to laboratory development studies, using suitable analytical and cell-based assays.
• Use structured experimental design to identify critical process variables, resolve variability and assess product comparability across development batches.
• Support formulation, storage, and scale-up studies; prepare technical transfer packages and work with internal teams and external partners on implementation.
• Contribute to process and assay documentation supporting quality, manufacturing, and regulatory activities appropriate to the development stage.
• Own experimental plans and milestones, maintain SOPs and technical reports, communicate findings clearly, and mentor junior team members.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related life-science discipline.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Scientific ownership | Experimental design | Laboratory execution | Data analysis | Problem-solving | Collaboration | Communication | Mentoring
• Role emphasis: Cell culture | EV process development | Analytical methods | Technical transfer

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of relevant post-Ph.D. research or industry experience; demonstrated scientific independence and directly relevant expertise will guide assessment
• Direct experience in EV biology, EV production, engineering, or characterization.
• Strong hands-on mammalian cell-culture, cell-biology, and molecular-biology skills, with evidence of independent experimental design, troubleshooting, and quantitative data interpretation.
• Ability to perform and interpret biochemical or molecular characterization alongside quantitative cell-based assays, with clear documentation and scientific communication.
• Demonstrated hands-on process-development experience with cell-derived EVs or related biologics, including production, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Experience in molecular biology, gene expression, or biomolecular characterization, with practical competence in relevant analytical methods.
• Evidence of improving process reproducibility and resolving experimental or analytical variability through controlled investigation.
• Experience with tangential-flow filtration, chromatography, ultracentrifugation, or other biological purification methods.
• Experience with nanoparticle tracking analysis, immunoassays, qPCR/RT-qPCR, RNA/protein analysis, or complementary characterization methods.
• Experience with design of experiments, formulation, stability, scale-up, technology transfer, or GMP environments; collaboration with CDMOs, CROs, or analytical laboratories.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.