Associate Research Scientist

Space is becoming biology’s next laboratory, but almost no tools exist that can run molecular biology workflows without gravity, without a technician, and without a traditional lab. As a member of our science team, you’ll help develop and validate the DNA/RNA extraction, sample processing, and sequencing-prep workflows that could one day run on the ISS, on a commercial space station, or in a disaster-response lab with no infrastructure at all.

You’ll work closely with the entire team, from founders and advisors to scientists and engineers. You’ll own workflows end‑to‑end, from benchexperiments to flight‑ready protocols, and help build the lab’s processes from the ground up. We’re a startup: priorities shift as we learn, we wear multiple hats, and we look for people who raise their hand for ambiguous problems rather than wait for instructions.

In this postion you will…

• Develop, execute, and optimize experiments supporting DNA/RNA extraction, sample preparation, and sequencing library preparation.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, quality assessment, and library preparation.
• Culture and process biological samples for workflow development and validation.
• Evaluate reagent formulations, chemistry performance, and workflow robustness through systematic experimentation.
• Document experimental procedures, analyze data, and prepare technical reports and laboratory documentation.
• Contribute to protocol development, SOP creation, validation studies, and technology transfer.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot experiments and improve workflow performance.
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment, inventory, and compliance with laboratory quality standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, or a related discipline, and 2+ years of relevant lab experience in academia, industry, or independent research.
• Hands‑on experience with DNA/RNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
• Experience with PCR and molecular biology workflows, and preparing samples for next‑generation sequencing.
• Familiarity with common molecular biology instrumentation (e.g., Qubit, Nano Drop, Tape Station, Bioanalyzer).
• Demonstrated proficiency with aseptic technique.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working independently and proposing your own solutions in a small, multidisciplinary startup team.
• Ability to execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and maintain detailed laboratory documentation.

• Worked with liquid handling automation
• Cultured mammalian cells
• Optimized reagent formulations
• Maintained an electronic lab notebook (ELN)