Senior Research Technician - Cell Ag/Food Innovation

Senior Research Technician - Cell Ag/Food Innovation Tufts University Minimum $24.70, Midpoint $29.50, Maximum $34.20 United States, Massachusetts, Medford 200 Boston Avenue (Show on map) May 20, 2026 Overview The Future Food & Material Innovation Hub is a one-stop-shop for early- to mid-stage innovators in cellular agriculture and related foodtech and biomaterial spaces. The ethos of The Hub is set by Tufts University to collaboratively and inclusively make a difference towards transformative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The Hub is set to launch in the second half of 2026 with founding business unit pillars including an incubator for startups, a shared-access R D core facility for prototyping and scale-up, an open access cell bank ("The Open Cell Bank", see below), and a food systems innovation council. Overarching programming will be developed to facilitate networking, Tufts community, upskilling, and investment opportunities. The Hub is the culmination of nearly a decade of progress and global leadership in these emerging spaces by Tufts University. The Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA) is a global leader in advancing sustainable food and biomaterial systems through biotechnology. TUCCA brings together academic researchers, industry partners, and startups to develop, translate, and scale technologies spanning cell culture, bioprocessing, food science, and applied manufacturing. The Open Cell Bank at TUCCA is a newly established initiative located at The Hub aimed at building a core pillar of the emerging cultivated food ecosystem. The bank's mission is to establish a centralized, open-access resource to create, store, and share key material inputs (foundational cell lines and culture media formulations) for the future global supply of cultivated meat, poultry, and seafood. To overcome the redundancy and high costs currently hindering the field, the bank focuses on the development of open-access cell lines, robust characterization, and global distribution. What You'll Do The Senior Research Technician will be a core member of the Open Cell Bank Team, playing a highly critical role in the day-to-day operations of the cell bank. The primary focus of this role will be the rigorous expansion, validation, and distribution of banked cell lines, with the potential to assist in new cell line development. Initially, this role will involve split effort to support operations of the shared-access R D core facility for biotech prototyping and scale-up. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented, driving the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintaining excellent documentation, and coordinating closely with external cell line recipients worldwide.

Cell Banking Operations:

Coordinate the expansion and secure cryogenic storage of master cell banks (MCBs) and working cell banks (WCBs) for a variety of food-relevant species.

Materials Processing & Characterization:

Execute protocols for material processing workflows including centrifugation, filtration, mixing, and material characterization workflows including mechanical and chemical analyses.

Quality Control & Validation:

Perform rigorous quality-control testing of cells pre-distribution, including mycoplasma testing, microbial testing, and regular PCR monitoring for species identification to prevent cross-contamination.

Cell Characterization:

Assist in characterizing cell line growth rates, testing cell differentiation capacity, and performing necessary staining or qPCR assays.

SOPs & Documentation:

Draft and update internal protocols, SOPs, and workflows for cell culture and characterization. Maintain detailed, accurate records using cloud-based electronic laboratory notebooks (e.g., LabArchives).

Distribution & Outreach:

Coordinate with external recipients to manage the distribution of cells. Prepare and package necessary documentation for vials, including data on cell source, characteristics, and QC results.

General Lab Maintenance:

Participate in lab duties maintaining shared lab space, troubleshooting instruments, taking corrective actions, and ensuring equipment is in working order.

Safety & Compliance:

Attend mandatory annual training sessions in fire safety, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety. Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed (e.g., maintaining stock levels, making lab stock solutions, waste management).

What We're Looking For Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: Bachelor's Degree BS degree in biology, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a related field. Extensive wet lab experience, specifically with highly rigorous mammalian, avian, or piscine cell culture. Demonstrated organizational skills and an ability to pay close attention to detail. Ability to work accurately, effectively, within a team, and independently under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to manage work with minimal supervision. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for coordinating with external partners and drafting detailed SOPs. Ability to multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Motivation to learn and grow in scientific expertise within the cellular agriculture field. Ability to troubleshoot technical issues. Ability to plan and prioritize work while responding flexibly to rapidly changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience working in a cell bank, core facility, or a strict QA/QC industry environment. Experience with cell engineering or phenotype adaptation. Experience drafting formalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or maintaining extensive electronic lab notebooks. Ability to read scientific literature and adapt/design new protocols. Accurate, detailed data and record keeping. Pay Range Minimum $24.70, Midpoint $29.50, Maximum $34.20 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.