PhD Residency - Applied Biology Advanced Biological Platforms, Early Stage Project

Overview

2 0 2 6 P h D R esidency - Applied Biology for Advanced Biological Platforms, Early Stage Project

Internship Mountain View, CA

Project Goal:

This residency focuses on bridging the gap between fundamental cellular biophysics and advanced biological engineering. By leveraging breakthrough techniques in stem cell differentiation and 3D tissue morphogenesis, we aim to develop high-fidelity biological systems that offer radical new insights into human biology. You will help bridge the gap between benchtop discovery and engineerable biological platforms, creating models that move us closer to understanding complex human responses without the limitations of traditional animal models.

• Collaborate on the development and optimization of complex biological platforms that utilize high-fidelity 3D human tissue models to improve the predictability of biological responses.
• Independently design and execute experiments focusing on the maintenance of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their directed differentiation into specialized lineages, such as cardiac and stromal cell types.
• Perform and refine protocols for the generation of complex, self-organizing microtissues, including cardioids and branched organoids—utilizing advanced scaffolding and self-forming hydrogel techniques.
• Analyze cellular phenotypes and maturation states through a combination of high-content imaging, genomic, and transcriptomic methodologies to ensure model robustness.
• Investigate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions within microphysiological environments, identifying key mechanical and biochemical cues that steer tissue development.
• Develop robust lab documentation and standardized protocols to transition bench-scale biological breakthroughs into reliable, reproducible platform components within scalable, standardized processes for the Moonshot Factory.

• Location:
  
  X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
• Start Date(s):
  Flexible, Spring/Summer 2026
• Duration: a flexible 4 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Strong hands-on experience in human iPSC culture and the use of directed differentiation protocols to generate functional 3D tissue models.
• Experience in genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and establishing stable, genetically modified iPSC lines
• Familiarity with characterizing organoid maturation, including evaluating structural complexity, polarization, and lineage-specific biomarkers.
• Proficiency in modern molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting) and confocal imaging to assess cellular states.
• Expertise in microfabrication techniques for complex tissue engineering (e.g. Microfluidic, Bioprinting)
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, rapid-prototyping environment where learning from experimental failure is part of the engineering process.

• Understanding of microfluidic systems and how mechanical forces influence the remodeling of engineered tissues.
• Experience using AI/ML platforms to interpret complex biological datasets or correlate tissue microstructure with phenotypic responses.

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $129,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

This compensation note reflects base salary only and does not include benefits.

At X, we celebrate difference and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.