Senior Scientist - Placenta Biology

Role overview

As a Senior Scientist at e184 Artificial Womb, you will lead research focused on translating in vivo placental biology into experimentally tractable model systems that inform the development of functional placental platforms for ex utero gestation. Your work will center on applying mechanistic understanding of placental development, structure, and maternal–fetal exchange to guide the design and optimization of placental organoid and co-culture models capable of supporting perfusion and sustained fetal development.

• Translate in vivo placental biology: Apply knowledge of placental development, trophoblast differentiation, and maternal–fetal exchange to define biological requirements for engineered placental systems.
• Develop placental organoid models: Establish and optimize placental organoid and co-culture systems that recapitulate structural, cellular, and signaling features of developing placenta.
• Guide functional platform development: Inform the design of perfusion-compatible models that enable nutrient, gas, and signaling exchange required for sustained fetal development.
• Characterize placental structure and function: Use imaging, histology, molecular profiling, and functional assays to evaluate trophoblast differentiation, vascular interactions, and transport capacity.
• Define developmental signaling environments: Identify molecular pathways and extracellular cues that regulate placental maturation and integrate findings into experimental platform design.
• Drive interdisciplinary collaboration: Work closely with tissue engineering, hydrogel, and perfusion teams to translate biological insight into engineered solutions supporting long‑term development.

• PhD in Placenta Biology, Developmental Biology, Reproductive Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field with postdoctoral experience, or 7+ years of relevant industry or academic experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in placental development and trophoblast biology.
• Strong understanding of maternal–fetal interface biology and placental physiology.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and placental model systems.
• Experience designing and executing independent experimental research programs.
• Familiarity with histological and molecular approaches for studying placental development.
• Ability to lead complex interdisciplinary research efforts.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced, iterative startup environment.

• Experience developing or working with placental organoids or advanced in vitro placental models.
• Expertise in trophoblast stem cell biology and differentiation.
• Experience studying placental vascularization or nutrient transport mechanisms.
• Hands‑on histology experience, including tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and microscopy‑based analysis.
• Experience with transcriptomic, single‑cell, or spatial omics approaches in developmental systems.
• Familiarity with perfusion or microphysiological culture platforms.
• Experience translating in vivo biological findings into engineered or experimental systems.
• Prior startup or early‑stage technology development experience.

• Competitive salary + equity participation is considered.
• State‑of‑the‑art facility in Portland metro area.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• 20 days PTO + 11 paid holidays.