Senior Research Associate / Scientist

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Molecular and Cellular Biologist to join our research team. This role focuses on mono-culture cell models to evaluate new formulations and investigate GPCR cellular signaling through advanced assay development. The scientist will design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments using cutting-edge molecular and cellular biology techniques. This position is on-site and offers an excellent opportunity to work with technologies such as CRISPR, Calcium, and cAMP assays in a dynamic research environment.

This position is a full-time exempt located in South San Francisco and reports to the Senior Vice President, Translational Neuroscience.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
• Independently design and execute experiments to study cellular signaling of GPCRs and formulation interactions.
• Develop and maintain sterile mono-culture cell models for CNS drug development.
• Perform cell-based assays, including Calcium and cAMP assays, to assess molecular and cellular responses.
• Conduct molecular biology techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, cloning, transfections, CRISPR, immunostaining, FACS).
• Optimize cell culture conditions for reproducibility and scalability.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental outcomes and ensure data integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including formulation scientists and analytical teams.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and quality standards.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant research experience in a molecular and cellular biology laboratory in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting.
• Strong understanding of the Scientific Method and experimental design principles.
• Proficiency in sterile mammalian cell culture techniques and standard molecular biology methods.
• Hands-on experience with CRISPR, Calcium, and cAMP assays.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

What we offer:

• Industry competitive compensation
• Performance-based bonuses
• Stock options
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401k plan
• A collaborative and innovative work environment at the forefront of biotech advancements

Give your best, live wholesomely:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and dependents
• FSA and HAS
• Basic Life Insurance 2x Earnings and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Healthcare advocates group to help navigate the healthcare system

Work-life balance:

• Unlimited paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Remote work option
• Paid holidays
• Mental health days
• Winter shutdown
• Casual work environment

We uphold the ethos of work-life harmony, where enjoyment is woven into our fundamental values of integrity, teamwork, compassion, and excellence.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work remotely is $100,000 - $130,000 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry, education, etc.

Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees also will be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan provided they meet plan requirements. Employees will also enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. Eligibility requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit.

The employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The transition from standing and sitting often.

Specific vision for this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This position requires the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Evening and weekend work as necessary. Flexible hours (domestic time zones) may be required in this remote environment.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification as well as general description of benefits and other compensation and it is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

EEO Employer: VISTAGEN THERAPEUTICS, INC., is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification.

All Employee’s have rights under Federal Employment Laws and link to the three posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster Know Your Rights Poster; and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Headquartered in South San Francisco, CA, Vistagen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTGN) is a late clinical-stage company leveraging its pioneering neuroscience and deep understanding of nose-to-brain neurocircuitry to develop and commercialize a broad and diverse pipeline of intranasal product candidates called pherines. Each pherine product candidate in Vistagen’s neuroscience pipeline is designed to rapidly activate olfactory system and rain neurocircuitry to achieve desired therapeutic benefits and differentiated safety without requiring systemic absorption or binding to neurons in the brain. Vistagen’s neuroscience pipeline also includes an oral prodrug, AV-101, with potential to impact certain neurological conditions involving the NMDA receptor. Vistagen is passionate about developing transformative treatment options to improve the lives of individuals underserved by the current standard of care for multiple highly prevalent disorders, including social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) associated with menopause. Connect at www.vistagen.com.

Salary : $100,000 - $130,000