Research Associate

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a new member of the Microglia Therapeutics team who will be involved in making iPSC-derived microglia, characterizing them, and developing them into cellular therapy product. In this role, you will enable the microglia team to move faster and iterate more quickly by increasing the capacity for hands-on work in the lab.

About you:

You approach your work with a growth-mindset, eager to use your critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. You enjoy hands-on work and value being organized, planning, and paying attention to the details. You’re a highly collaborative team member with a “can-do” attitude and great communication skills.

In this role, you will:

• Perform regular culture of mammalian cells, mainly stable cell lines and iPSCs using aseptic tissue culture techniques.
• Differentiate iPSC lines to brain cell-types including microglia, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.
• Differentiate and optimize 2D and 3D (organoids) culture protocols.
• Perform cell-based and molecular assays to characterize the cells and prove function.
• Process animal tissue and perform downstream assays like cryo-sectioning, staining, and imaging.
• Work collaboratively across Retro teams such as In-Vivo, Computational Biology, Automation, Process Development, etc.
• Support development of new assays as needed as our research quickly progresses.
• Analyze and present experimental data to our internal teams and collaborators.
• Maintain an electronic lab notebook and contribute to supporting documents.
• Perform regular lab organization activities and ordering.
  
  

You might thrive in this role if you:

• Have a B.S in Biology or related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience or an M.S. with at least 1 year of post-degree research experience.
• Experience with standard tissue culture and tissue processing techniques.
• You’re energetic, detail-oriented, intellectually curious, ambitious, and deeply pragmatic.
• You thrive in a culture that embraces rapid iteration and open, straightforward communication.
  
  

It's a bonus if you:

• Have experience with iPSC culture or cryosectioning.
  
  

$85,000 - $110,000 a year

Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
• 401(k) plan with 4% matching
• Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year
• Paid parental leave
• Annual learning & development stipend
• Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks
  
  

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.