Bioengineer - Bioreactor Systems
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.
We are hiring a hands-on Bioengineer who will expand Retro’s capabilities and speed in designing and fabricating modifications for bioreactor systems. In this role, you will build robust, closed, scalable bioreactor systems for automated culture of iPSC-derived cells. You will be part of the Bioreactor Systems team.
About you:
You are an experienced bioengineer with extensive hands-on experience with bioreactor systems. You are more builder than operator and embody the hacker-mindset. You have a bias toward unconventional approaches and fast iteration and feel energized by doing the things that “can’t” be done. Ideally, you have a track record of transforming prototype systems into closed, production-ready platforms, within cGMP environments.
In this role, you will:
- Bioreactor fabrication: Design and build closed bioreactor systems for perfusion-based cell culture.
- Leverage existing bioreactors and systems and integrate modifications and new ideas to meet the needs of iPSC-derived cell cultures.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to bioreactor operations and automation.
- Implement process control strategies and monitoring systems to maintain optimal cell culture environments.
- Work with process development to optimize and integrate bioreactor systems into existing workflows.
- Optimize processes to enhance efficiency, reliability, and reproducibility of cell culture operations.
- Transition prototype bioreactor designs into robust, production-ready systems that comply with regulatory requirements and standards cGMP manufacturing.
- Document processes, protocols, and system designs to support regulatory submissions and internal knowledge sharing.
You might thrive in this role if you:
- Have 5+ years of industry experience in developing and fabricating bioreactor systems for cell culture, preferably with iPSC-derived cells.
- Have experience building closed systems; utilizing tube welding and aseptic connectors.
- Are proficient in automation technologies and process control systems used in bioreactor operations.
- Have worked under GMP-like conditions.
- Are energetic, detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and deeply pragmatic.
Bonus points if you:
- Have experience working with the PBS Vertical Wheel Bioreactor systems.
- Have used Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies for process optimization.
- Have an understanding of regulatory requirements (eg 21 CFR Part 11) for cell therapy manufacturing.
$120,000 - $170,000 a year
Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:
- 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.
