Research Associate
Science
Alameda, CA, USA
USD 90k-120k / year + Equity
Science is a clinical stage, vertically integrated technology company focused on solving some of neuroscience’s hardest questions and most serious unmet medical needs. We work to restore quality of life to those with debilitating conditions for which there are no treatment options, creating devices aimed at restoring vision, cognition, and mobility to patients who have lost it.
As part of the Vessel team at Science, you will work with a world-class team of scientists and engineers to develop methods for long-term normothermic organ perfusion to support organ transplantation and critical care. As a research associate, you will own our histology and immunostaining pipeline, establish an in vitro cell-based tissue model, and generate the image data that drives most of the team's biological decisions. You will also support with organ perfusion protocols.
Your background may be in histology, cell biology, developmental biology, pathology, or a related wet-lab discipline. You are meticulous, organized, and efficient.
Role responsibilities:
- Process biological specimens including cells, organoids and whole tissues from a range of experimental systems through fixation, embedding, and sectioning (paraffin and frozen)
- Run IHC and IF stainings on sections and whole-mount structures including antibody optimization and multiplexed panels
- Maintain an extensive biobank with rigorous sample and slide tracking
- Perform both standard and special histological stains (H&E, trichrome, PAS, etc.)
- Isolate primary cells from fresh tissues and expand in vitro
- Prepare buffers, solutions, reagents, perfusate media and ensure accurate sample processing during experiments
- Perform ELISAs, western blots, and PCRs
Key qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with histological sectioning (paraffin and/or cryo) and a track record of clean, consistent sections
- Proficiency with IHC and/or IF, including antibody optimization and the judgment to distinguish real signal from artifact
- Proficiency in microscopy techniques (bright-field, epi-fluorescence and confocal) including image acquisition, analysis, and presentation
- Familiarity with general molecular biology (PCR, pH, preparation of solutions/buffers and autoclaving)
- Expertise with primary tissue handling (harvest, enzymatic digestions and cell extraction)
- Excellent sterile tissue culture techniques (passaging, freezing/thawing and basic molecular characterization)
- Meticulous record-keeping and sample tracking
- Comfortable owning a high-throughput workflow across multiple parallel projects
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with small or delicate tissues
- Familiarity with image analysis tools (Fiji/ImageJ, Imaris)
Science is required under California law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. We determine your level based on your interview performance and make an offer based on the indicated salary band. The base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000 - $120,000 annually + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by several factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Please keep in mind that the equity portion of the offer is not included in these numbers.
Benefits:
At Science, our benefits are in place to support the whole you:
- Competitive salary and equity
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Flexible vacation and company-paid holidays
- Healthy meals and snacks provided for non-remote employees
- Paid parental, jury duty, bereavement, family care and medical leave
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, subsidized by Science
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k)
Science Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated, and our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work.
We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, or disability. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on these or other protected categories or social identities. Science will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.