Research Associate, Reprogramming
Redwood City, CA
HSC Therapeutics /
Full-time /
On-site
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to broadly improve tissue function by targeting mechanisms of aging 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.
We are hiring a new member of the HSC Therapeutics team who will be involved in making GMP-grade iPSCs and characterizing them. In this role, your cell culture and reprogramming skills will enable the team to move toward therapy production in a GMP setting. You will be involved in generating, maintaining, and characterizing pluripotent stem cells to later develop them into a cellular therapy product. You will help the team to transfer reprogramming protocols from the research bench into a GMP production.
About you:
You’re eager to learn and pride yourself on working at the highest standard. You enjoy hands-on work and value being organized, planning, and paying attention to the details. You’re a highly collaborative team member with a “can-do” attitude and great communication skills. You’re motivated to work on a forefront of science and produce therapies that improve patient’s health span.
In this role you will:
- Perform regular culture of mammalian cells, mainly stable cell lines and iPSCs, using aseptic tissue culture techniques.
- Perform primary cell isolation from patient samples.
- Convert patient-derived cells into pluripotent stem cells.
- Perform cell-based and molecular assays to characterize the cells and prove their quality.
- Assist in processing mouse tissues and performing flow cytometry to characterize cells.
- Work collaboratively across Retro teams such as Automation, Quality and Analytics.
- Maintain an electronic lab notebook and contribute to supporting documents, such as SOPs.
- Ensure we have all reagents we need: maintain stocks, tracking usage and delivery.
You will thrive in this role if you:
- Are inspired by the goal of making cell therapies that improve people's lives.
- Have at least 2 years of experience with standard tissue culture, working experience with iPSCs, and an excellent record of contamination-free aseptic technique.
- Have a BS degree (cell biology, bioengineering, or a related field).
- Are able to learn/uptake information quickly and have experience following established protocols.
- Find joy in helping others and working with people with different technical backgrounds.
- Have excellent time management skills.
- Are highly organized, a pro-active communicator, detail-oriented, and deeply pragmatic.
- Are seeking a culture that embraces rapid iteration and open and direct communication.
It’s a bonus if you:
- Have experience working in GMP facilities.
- Have experience in isolating cells from patient samples.
- Have experience with gene delivery and/or reprogramming.
- Have experience with cell characterization techniques (eg FACS/flow cytometry, IF/microscopy).
$85,000 - $93,000 a year
Total compensation also includes generous equity and the following benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
- 401(k) plan with 4% matching
- Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year
- Paid parental leave
- Annual learning & development stipend
- Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks
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.
