Senior Scientist, Stem Cell Model Engineering (Contract)

About the role

Amgen's Predictive Biology team is looking for a Senior Scientist on a contract basis to develop, optimize and validate human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models for target discovery, target validation and translational research. The role applies expertise in iPSC differentiation and cell biology to build robust, scalable and biologically relevant human model systems, from individual differentiated cell types to more complex multicellular models.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot differentiation of human iPSCs into tissue-relevant cell types for discovery and translational research.
• Establish robust and scalable differentiation workflows, emphasizing reproducibility across experiments, iPSC lines and increasing experimental scale.
• Define and run quality control and validation strategies for cell identity, differentiation state, maturation, purity and tissue-specific function.
• Identify and troubleshoot sources of variability, including differentiation efficiency, line-to-line variability, culture conditions, maturation and loss of phenotype.
• Develop complex human model systems such as co-cultures, multicellular models, 3D cultures or other tissue-relevant systems.
• Contribute to genetically defined iPSC models, including CRISPR-edited or disease-relevant lines, partnering with genetic engineering experts when needed.
• Drive continuous improvement of iPSC workflows and share model performance, limitations, technical risks, timelines and readiness with project teams.

Required profile

• Basic qualification: PhD with 2+ years of experience, MSc with 5+ years, or BSc with 8+ years.
• Preferred: PhD with 2+ years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience in stem cell biology, developmental biology, cell biology, bioengineering, molecular biology or a related discipline.

Required skills

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in human iPSC culture and differentiation, including optimization and troubleshooting of protocols.
• Experience differentiating iPSCs into one or more specialized human cell types; experience across multiple tissue or cell lineages preferred.
• Strong understanding of iPSC and differentiated-cell quality control (pluripotency, genomic integrity, cell identity, differentiation state, purity, maturation, functional phenotype).
• Experience developing reproducible, scalable cell-based workflows, ideally with multiple cell lines, screening, automation or higher-throughput studies.
• Experience with complex human cell models such as co-cultures, organoids/assembloids or 3D cultures; CRISPR-based genome editing of iPSCs preferred.

The salary range is 115,503.10 to 156,268.90 CAD. Applications are made through the Amgen careers site.