Cell Culture
Cell Culture is a fundamental laboratory technique where scientists grow living cells in controlled conditions, usually in special containers with nutrients. Think of it like carefully tending to a microscopic garden, but instead of plants, scientists are growing human, animal, or bacterial cells. This skill is essential in many areas, from developing new medicines to testing product safety. When you see this on a resume, it means the candidate knows how to maintain and work with living cells in a laboratory setting, which is crucial for medical research, drug development, and biotechnology work.
Examples in Resumes
Maintained multiple Cell Culture lines for cancer research projects
Developed new Cell Culture protocols to improve efficiency and reduce contamination
Supervised Cell Culture facility operations and trained junior staff in sterile techniques
Typical job title: "Cell Culture Scientists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Cell Culture Scientists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a contamination crisis in the cell culture facility?
Expected Answer: A senior scientist should discuss facility-wide containment procedures, investigation of contamination source, documentation processes, and preventive measures for future incidents. They should also mention staff training and quality control protocols.
Q: How do you approach scaling up cell culture production?
Expected Answer: Should explain considerations for moving from small to large-scale production, including equipment needs, staff training, quality control measures, and common challenges they've faced and solved.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to check cell health and growth?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic monitoring techniques like microscope observation, cell counting, viability tests, and how to interpret these results to make decisions about cell maintenance.
Q: How do you maintain sterile conditions in cell culture work?
Expected Answer: Should explain proper sterile technique, use of biosafety cabinets, personal protective equipment, and common sources of contamination to avoid.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of cell culture media?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that media contains nutrients, growth factors, and antibiotics, and understand why each component is important for cell growth.
Q: How do you thaw and freeze cells properly?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic procedures for safely thawing frozen cells and preparing cells for freezing storage, including the importance of proper temperature control.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic sterile technique
- Cell maintenance and feeding
- Cell counting and viability testing
- Basic documentation practices
Mid (2-5 years)
- Troubleshooting contamination issues
- Multiple cell line handling
- Advanced aseptic technique
- Equipment maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Facility management
- Protocol development and optimization
- Staff training and supervision
- Quality control program implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of sterile technique
- Unable to explain basic contamination prevention
- Lack of experience with proper documentation
- No knowledge of safety protocols or proper PPE use
Related Terms
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