Senior Scientist, Organoid
Berkeley, CA - USA
Job Summary
Experience level: PhD plus postdoctoral training or equivalent industry experience (typically 3 years post-PhD).
About Conception
Conception is pioneering the future of reproductive biology by generating functional human eggs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Our mission is to unlock new possibilities for fertility reproductive health and genetic diversity. We are building a world-class team at the intersection of stem cell biology developmental biology and synthetic biology to make this vision a reality.
The position
We are seeking an exceptionally strong hands-on senior scientist to help drive scientific progress in the development and application of advanced 3D organoid model this role you will lead efforts to develop optimize and implement protocols that enable our organoids to more faithfully recapitulate the native tissue niche improving their biological relevance and utility. You will also work closely with cross-functional project teams pursuing related scientific objectives translating discoveries sharing technical learnings and helping integrate model system advances across programs. This position is ideal for someone who is both scientifically rigorous and highly collaborative with a strong interest in building physiologically relevant systems that can accelerate discovery and translational impact.
The most successful candidate will bring hands-on experience developing new differentiation protocols strong tissue engineering expertise and a deep understanding of how cellular microenvironments influence tissue identity maturation and function.
What youll do
Independently design develop and optimize differentiation and tissue engineering protocols that improve organoid fidelity maturation reproducibility and relevance to the native tissue niche
Lead day-to-day execution while mentoring and developing scientists setting expectations for rigor documentation and pace
Synthesize experimental results communicate progress clearly to scientific and program leadership and help guide strategic decisions for platform and program development
Collaborate closely with cross-functional project teams to share findings integrate complementary approaches and advance common objectives across related model system efforts
Foster a team culture grounded in curiosity urgency flexibility technical excellence and transparency
What were looking for
PhD in Stem Cell Biology Developmental Biology or a related field plus postdoctoral training or equivalent industry experience
Experience with organoid microenvironment manipulation or bioengineering of tissue and/or organoid model systems
Deep hands-on expertise in troubleshooting differentiation trajectories and complex model systems. Ideally expertise in setting up model systems; not just optimizing an already established protocol
Exceptionally strong organizational and communication skills including thorough record keeping and priority-aligned executive summarization
Ability to drive project direction and prioritize based on company goals
Strong analytical skills including experience interpreting sequencing datasets (SmartSeq2 single-cell RNA-seq ATAC-seq EM-seq or similar)
Strong work ethic and team-first mindset. Willing to do hands-on work including routine and repetitive tasks and step in when needed
Able to thrive in a high-intensity fast-paced flexible startup environment
Familiarity with reproductive biology particularly ovarian development and the germ cell lifecycle is a plus
Why join us
Impact: Own one of Conceptions most critical preclinical programs with the potential to transform human reproduction
Ownership: Operate with autonomy in a fast-moving biotech startup and build a program end-to-end
Growth: Develop and lead a small team and expand scope as the program scales
Community: Work alongside passionate scientists tackling one of the most exciting frontiers in biology with a deeply aligned team
Mission: Build the biological foundation for a new era of reproductive medicine expanding what is possible for millions of people and families with limited options today
Come and work with us
We are well funded and well connected in Silicon Valley. We offer competitive pay company equity and excellent healthcare benefits for these positions.
To learn more about the original mouse proof of concept to live birth that inspired us seehttps:// Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
First published in 1869, Nature is the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal. Nature publishes the finest peer-reviewed research that drives ground-breaking discovery, and is read by thought-leaders and decision-makers around the world.