Scientist, Stem Cell and Embryology
Berkeley, CA - USA
Job Summary
Experience level: Masters PhD or equivalent work experience.
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 reproductive biology to make this vision a reality.
The position
We are seeking an extremely hard-working highly skilled hands-on scientist or scientific specialist to support our in vitro gametogenesis program. This is a technical specialist role for someone who wants to be in the lab doing difficult delicate high-impact work.
The most critical skillset is human ESC line generation and expert pluripotent stem cell culture. Ideally you have direct experience deriving establishing expanding banking and characterizing human ESC lines. Experience with follicle culture gamete handling embryo handling embryo biopsy IVM ovarian tissue workflows 3D culture stem cell differentiation or related reproductive biology techniques is highly valuable.
This is not a traditional clinical embryologist role and not a management role. We are looking for a rigorous bench scientist who is excited to execute troubleshoot repeat improve and master technically demanding workflows. The right person will be flexible in focus willing to learn new techniques and motivated to contribute wherever the lab needs them most.
Title is negotiable based on experience and may range from Scientific Specialist to Scientist.
What youll do
Help build optimize and repeatedly execute workflows needed for stem-cell-derived reproductive cell development
Derive establish expand bank and characterize human ESC lines
Maintain high-quality hESC/iPSC cultures document passage history and culture conditions and support characterization and QC assays
Support workflows across stem cell differentiation follicle isolation and culture IVM gamete and embryo handling embryo culture embryo biopsy ovarian tissue handling 3D culture organoid culture and downstream readouts
Troubleshoot protocols improve reproducibility and help maintain consistency across difficult and delicate workflows
Collaborate closely with stem cell reproductive biology embryology genomics and preclinical teams
Execute technically demanding workflows with precision timing repetition and consistency
What were looking for
Masters degree PhD or equivalent work experience in stem cell biology developmental biology reproductive biology cell biology embryology bioengineering or a related field
Ideally 3 years of hands-on experience with human pluripotent stem cell culture reproductive biology embryology follicle culture IVF-adjacent procedures or related technical workflows
Direct experience with human ESC derivation ESC line establishment or embryo-derived stem cell workflows is especially valuable
Strong aseptic technique and experience maintaining sensitive high-value cell lines
Excellent attention to detail reliability and comfort with difficult repetitive protocols that require precision and consistency
Hands-on experience with hESC/iPSC expansion and banking stem cell QC follicle isolation follicle culture IVM gamete handling embryo handling embryo culture embryo biopsy ovarian tissue handling ovarian cortex cryopreservation 3D culture organoid culture co-culture systems microdissection micromanipulation or long-duration tissue and cell culture workflows is highly desirable
Strong work ethic and team-first mindset. Willing to do hands-on work including routine and repetitive tasks and step in wherever needed
Able to thrive in a high-intensity fast-paced flexible startup environment
Why join us
Impact: Help build the technical foundation for one of the most ambitious programs in reproductive biology
Ownership: Take responsibility for difficult high-value workflows and help make them reproducible and scalable
Growth: Develop deep expertise in rare and technically demanding reproductive and stem cell biology methods
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 excellent healthcare benefits and a collaborative research environment focused on meaningful results.
If you are passionate hardworking and aligned with our mission we want to hear from you.
To learn more about the original mouse proof of concept to live birth that inspired us see Experience:
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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.