In Vivo (SRA / Associate Scientist)

This role is for a hands-on in vivo scientist who wants to own the bench work that drives our programs forward. Roughly 60% of your time will be spent on in vivo science: rodent dosing, bleeds, longitudinal and terminal tissue collections, and the animal-handling craft that makes downstream data trustworthy. The remaining 40% is molecular: turning the tissue and serum you collect into clean, decision-grade readouts through RNA extraction, qPCR, ELISA, and related assays.

We are an early-stage company, so this is a role for someone who is energized by carrying a study from dosing all the way through to data — not someone who wants to hand off samples and lose sight of where they went. You will report directly to the Founding Head of Translation and have real influence over how we design and run studies as we build from the ground up.

Note: only applications emailed to [email protected] will be considered.

What You'll Do

In Vivo Studies (\~60%)

• Perform rodent dosing via multiple routes:  IV (tail vein), IP, SC, and intravitreal (IVI), following established protocols and IACUC-approved procedures.
• Execute terminal and longitudinal tissue collections, including submandibular, retro-orbital, and cardiac blood draws, liver punch biopsies, and ocular tissue harvest; ensure sample integrity through appropriate processing and storage.
• Perform routine animal health checks and husbandry tasks as needed, with attention to health or behavioral changes that may impact experimental outcomes.
• Maintain accurate animal records and dosing logs, and track samples from collection through data output in the ELN.
• Support IACUC protocol preparation and amendments, and coordinate with CROs for studies requiring specialized capabilities or larger cohorts.

Molecular Readouts \& Sample Processing (\~40%)

• Process tissue and serum samples for downstream molecular analysis, preserving sample quality from harvest through assay.
• Perform RNA extraction and qPCR for target gene expression and epigenetic editor activity.
• Run protein-level assays, primarily ELISAs.
• QC incoming samples and data against internal standards, flagging anomalies early.
• Keep reproducible ELN records that colleagues can work from without needing to ask you.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, animal science, or a related life science field.
• 3\+ years of laboratory experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in rodent handling and restraint, with experience performing IV tail vein, IP, and/or SC injections.
• Experience with terminal tissue collections, including blood draws and solid tissue harvest (liver, eye, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques: RNA extraction, qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA.
• Strong organizational instincts: sample tracking, chain-of-custody documentation, and ELN records that colleagues can reproduce from without asking you.
• Able to work on-site at our animal facility in South San Francisco. This is hands-on in vivo work that cannot be done remotely, so reliable transportation and the ability to drive to the facility are essential.
• Startup mindset: self-directed, comfortable with ambiguity, and genuinely energized by owning a study end-to-end, from dosing through data.

Bonus Points

• Experience with LNP or mRNA therapeutics: formulation, delivery, or in vivo evaluation.
• Experience with intravitreal injection or ocular tissue processing.
• Familiarity with bisulfite sequencing or other epigenomics sample-prep workflows.
• Experience coordinating or managing CRO studies.
• Some exposure to flow cytometry is a plus but not central to this role.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity.
• Medical, dental, and 401(k).
• Direct collaboration with the CEO and Head of Translation on work that directly informs lead selection.
• Real ownership over the in vivo work that drives our programs and a genuine voice in how we design and run studies as we grow.