Scientist , Microglia

Join a team shaping the future of cell therapy. As a Scientist I, Microglia
, you'll contribute to the advancement of microglia and other cell therapy programs through cell differentiation, characterization, translational research, and preclinical studies. This role will plan and execute scientific experiments and laboratory activities in support of the development of iPSC-derived cell therapy products. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, external research partners, and scientific leadership to support both program advancement and evaluation of future therapeutic opportunities.

This is an on-site role in Torrey Pines, CA that requires flexibility and availability for weekend and holiday work as needed. Relocation is not available.

• Work independently to design and conduct experimental plans with guidance, analyze data, and contribute to technical reports and other documentation.
• Perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for own and collaborative projects.
• Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Investigate, create, and develop new methods and technologies for project advancement.
• Troubleshoot and solve problems in the design/execution of projects.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments to support the release, stability and characterization of the Company’s cell therapy products.
• Contribute to writing technical reports and other documentation.
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals and patents.
• Contribute to supervision and training of Research Associates.
• Lead the development, optimization, and characterization of iPSC-derived microglia differentiation processes, including execution of in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate cellular phenotype, function, engraftment, and therapeutic activity.
• Contribute to corporate strategy and pipeline expansion through scientific evaluation of new therapeutic areas, platform applications, emerging technologies, and external research partnerships.
• Manage external academic collaborations and contract research activities, including study design, execution, data review, and communication of results to internal and external stakeholders.

• PhD in biology, neuroscience, or related disciplines or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years hands-on experience working in a molecular or cellular research environment. No previous industry experience required.
• Experience with iPSCs, microglia, in vivo disease modeling, gene editing, or bioinformatics is strongly preferred.

• Data Analysis & Presentation: Organize and present data efficiently.
• Professional Scientific Expertise:
  Stay updated with scientific literature relevant to iPSC derived cell therapies, competing technologies, and comply with safety, training, and quality regulations.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate scientific creativity and technical skills.
• Cell Culture Techniques:
  Proficient in aseptic cell culture, with required experience in hESCs or hiPSCs.
• In Vivo Research: Preferred experience with preclinical animal studies, including experimental design, study execution, tissue collection, histological analysis, and interpretation of in‑vivo efficacy and mechanistic data.
• Molecular Techniques: Preferred experience in flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, RNAseq, and IHC.
• Neurobiology Expertise: Preferred experience working with microglia,macrophages, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, or related CNS disease models.
• Functional Assays: Preferred experience in live cell imaging, Ca imaging, and MEA.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong verbal and written skills for effective communication.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with experience in bioinformatic tools (e.g., Prism, Flow-Jo, cell profiler, Spotfire).
• Organization: Highly organized with project coordination abilities.
• Flexible
  
  Schedule:
  
  Must be willing to work flexible hours including some weekends.

General office and laboratory environment. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic…