Research Associate – Human‑First Drug Discovery

About the role

Join Parallel Bio’s Vienna lab to advance human‑first drug discovery by generating and characterising patient‑derived iPSC lines and organoid models. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure high‑quality cellular resources and robust assay read‑outs.

Key responsibilities

• Derive, quality‑control and biobank iPSC lines from donor blood, including colony picking, clonal expansion and cryopreservation.
• Maintain iPSC and primary cultures and differentiate them into immune organoids using in‑house protocols, iteratively optimizing conditions for longevity and functional performance.
• Design, validate and execute functional assays such as flow cytometry panels, (q)PCR, immunofluorescence, ELISA and Luminex, and prepare samples for bulk RNA‑seq, scRNA‑seq and whole‑exome sequencing.
• Document experiments in electronic lab notebooks, write SOPs, and share findings with US and local teams, mentoring junior researchers.

Required profile

• MSc in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioengineering or related field.
• Experience with aseptic human pluripotent stem cell culture (iPSC or ESC) and at least one year of tissue‑culture work.
• Hands‑on experience with flow cytometry (panel design and analysis), (q)PCR and ELISA.
• Familiarity with organoid or 3D spheroid culture and basic immunology concepts is a strong plus.

Required skills

• iPSC culture and cryopreservation
• Organoid differentiation and 3D culture
• Flow cytometry panel design and data analysis
• (q)PCR and ELISA assay execution
• Luminex and immunofluorescence imaging
• NGS sample preparation (bulk RNA‑seq, scRNA‑seq, whole‑exome)
• Electronic lab notebook / laboratory information system usage

What we offer

• Base salary of at least €40,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Inclusive, equal‑opportunity workplace with diverse international team.