Matthew Zimmer, M.Sc., is a principal scientist specializing in flow cytometry at The Jackson Laboratory in New York. He provides advanced cell sorting and analytical support to JAX‑NYSCF researchers, with a particular interest in characterizing neuronal populations derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with neurodegenerative diseases. His work strengthens JAX’s mission by enabling precise, high‑quality cellular phenotyping essential for translational research.
Zimmer’s work centers on state‑of‑the‑art flow cytometry instrumentation, including BD’s newest spectral sorter, which incorporates imaging for the first time in a cell‑sorting system. This technology is expected to enhance the derivation of new stem cell lines and support gene‑editing applications using CRISPR‑Cas9. Among his proudest accomplishments is the discovery of a novel surface marker, CD49f, for identifying and isolating iPSC‑derived astrocytes—an achievement recognized with a U.S. patent.
Drawn to the intersection of cell biology and high‑tech instrumentation, Zimmer began his scientific career working with mouse hematopoietic stem cells in Camilla Forsberg’s lab at UC Santa Cruz. He joined NYSCF in 2011 after moving to New York and has remained with the organization through its integration with JAX.
Zimmer studied neuroscience at UC Santa Cruz after initially earning a finance degree, and later completed an M.Sc. in neuroscience and translational neurology from the University of Edinburgh. He hopes his work will help uncover disease mechanisms and improve model systems for drug testing in neurodegenerative disorders.