Scientist​/Senior Scientist, CNS Cell Biology and Light Microscopy

Scientist/Senior Scientist, CNS Cell Biology and Light Microscopy

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As an individual contributor and Scientist at the Bay Area Institute of Science, you will play a key role in advancing Altos' scientific programs about brain aging and neurodegeneration. Working closely with the Frost lab, you will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative experimental approaches using metabolic and light microscopy techniques. This includes developing and utilizing cell types derived from the central nervous system (CNS), applying genetic perturbations to these cells, and employing experimental approaches that include light microscopy and metabolic profiling.

The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of CNS cell biology, the metabolic shifts characteristic of aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and proficiency in advanced microscopy, image analysis and metabolism techniques. This role reports to Principal Investigator Adam Frost.

• Provide advanced cell culture, metabolic, and genetic manipulation of iPSC-derived CNS cell types and primary CNS cells.
• Provide independent design and implementation of all phases of light microscopy experimentation, including experimental design, microscope operation, image capture, and quantitative image analysis.
• Engage with cross‑Altos research labs to bridge in vitro with in vivo models and to suggest complementary genetic and morphological profiling approaches.
• Stay abreast of advances in light microscopy methods and technologies so that these can be brought to Altos as needed.
• Assist other scientists in the Frost group and beyond in quantitative analysis of microscope images using tools such as Zen, Elements, Arivis, Napari, Fiji, and other software. When appropriate, manage image analysis collaborations with the Computer Vision team.

• PhD in a related field, such as Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics
• Thorough understanding of the principles of light microscopy image visualization, analysis, and processing.
• Demonstrable understanding of cell metabolism, including the impact of metabolism on chromatin and cell fate.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate within a dynamic team.

• Primary CNS cell isolation and culture
• CRISPR‑based genetic manipulation of mammalian cells
• Practical experience with the management of terabyte‑size microscopy datasets
• Literacy in MATLAB, R, or Python
• Practical experience with cellular image segmentation tools

• Scientist I, Imaging Technologies: $127,500 - $172,500
• Scientist I, Imaging Technologies: $150,000 - $205,200
• Senior Scientist I, Imaging Technologies: $171,000 - $240,000
• Senior Scientist II, Imaging Technologies: $200,000 - $282,000

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

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Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.