PhD Program, HSC Rejuvenation
Redwood City, CA
Science /
Full-time /
On-site
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.
This is a 3-year accelerated PhD program offered by Retro Biosciences in conjunction with the recently accredited Retro College of Woolf University. Under the guidance of world’s leading scientists in the field, fellows will support and lead aging research research projects, progressing through key milestones designed to prepare them for a scientist role.
You might thrive in this role if you:
- Have a STEM Bachelors or Masters, with an emphasis in biology. Bachelors must have additional experience, such as lab experience or biology study of other kinds. This is a European-style PhD program that does not start off with intro classes like an American PhD; you need to hit the ground running
- Deploy exceptional organizational skills, time management, and meticulous attention to detail
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills
- Foster a passion for research on aging and age-related diseases
- Possess a solid understanding of molecular and cell biology and hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture
- Have experience with iPSCs or HSCs
- Have earned previous experience with at least two of the skills outlined in the skills section below (a plus)
- Are energetic, detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and deeply pragmatic
- Thrive in a culture that embraces rapid iteration and open, straightforward communication
- Have a burning desire to understand aging biology through the lens of modern data-rich measurement technologies
In this role you will:
- Plan and execute experiments as part of the team and independently
- Work on advanced mammalian cell culture and assay development
- Focus on high throughput functional genomic screening methods such as ORF and CRISPR screens
- Develop mRNA and viral gene delivery techniques
- Hone core molecular biology skills, including PCR, cloning, plasmid design, and DNA extraction
- Next generation sequencing, omics data generation, with a focus on single-cell RNA-seq
- Perform flow cytometry and cell sorting
- Learn techniques in iPSC differentiation and cellular reprogramming
If a fellow successfully meets growth expectations and milestones of progressive independence over the 3-year program period, the fellow will be offered a Scientist position at Retro. Additionally, this opportunity will also equip them with competitive research skills including high-throughput screening, gene editing and delivery, omics data generation, and strategies to develop therapy approaches to tackle aging and age-related diseases.
We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.
The annual salary for this role is $90,450. Total compensation also includes generous equity, as well as these benefits and perks:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
- 401(k) plan with 4% matching
- “Unlimited” time off and 10 company holidays per year (with mgr approval)
- Paid parental leave
- Annual learning & development stipend
- Free lunch and snacks
