Senior Research Scientist, Cell Biology & Single-Cell Genomics

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist with deep expertise in cell biology and single-cell genomics to take ownership of developing and improving sample collection methodologies and executing our cell-based sample processing and multi-omics workflows.

This role reports to the CTO and serves as the technical lead for our cell-based sample processing and biobanking workflows. You will work hands-on at the bench while collaborating closely with the entire team to push the boundaries of what is possible in cell-based assays and to establish low-bias, validated datasets.

You’ll be both a hands-on experimentalist and an owner of method development, setting standards that will be used across current and future cohorts. This is an opportunity to shape the technical foundation of our biobank operations and directly impact the quality of data that powers our AI-driven approach to understanding immune-related diseases.

• Design, validate, and build blood and tissue collection kits (materials, documentation, shipping) for all collections.
• Refine SOPs for kit prep, sample collection, cold chain, receiving, and storage.
• Process clinical biospecimens (logging, aliquoting, labeling, storage) while maintaining full chain-of-custody and traceability.

• Own processing of whole blood and tissue (e.g., PBMC isolation, counting, viability, QC).
• Prepare samples for multi-omics assays (single-cell transcriptomics and other immune profiling assays).
• Execute and optimize 10x Genomics single-cell RNA-seq workflows (GEX, BCR, TCR) from sample prep through library generation.
• Troubleshoot and improve protocols to maximize data quality, robustness, and reproducibility; expand to new sample types and assay platforms.

• Maintain accurate sample tracking and experimental documentation in Benchling and associated tracking systems.
• Analyze sample and library QC metrics to identify trends and drive systematic workflow improvements.
• Ensure sample metadata is complete and standardized for downstream computational analysis; contribute to internal reports and scientific presentations.

• PhD with 2+ years, Master’s with 5+ years, or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of hands-on experience in cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Strong experience with single-cell RNA-seq workflows, including hands-on work with 10x Genomics Chromium or comparable platforms (sample prep, library generation, QC).
• Demonstrated experience processing whole blood to high-quality viable cells (e.g., PBMCs, leukocytes, enriched subsets).
• Experience in clinical sample collection, biobanking, or GLP/GCLP environments.
• Proficiency with core cell biology techniques (cell culture, counting, viability).
• Proven ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex multi-step protocols.
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a cross-functional team.

• Experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows.
• Experience designing and using internal controls or reference materials (e.g., spike-ins, technical standards) to monitor and correct for technical variability in cell-based assays (such as single-cell RNA-seq).
• Hands-on experience with multi-omics workflows (e.g., proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics).
• Basic bioinformatics skills for single-cell RNA-seq data.
• Knowledge of immunology and autoimmune disease biology.
• Experience with automated liquid handling or laboratory robotics.
• Familiarity with Benchling and sample tracking systems; IATA/DOT shipping of biological materials.
• Prior experience in a startup or fast-paced research environment.

• Enjoy building and iterating on SOPs and end-to-end workflows.
• Are happiest at the bench but think deeply about data quality, bias, and reproducibility.
• Like owning complex processes rather than single experiments.
• Are energized by ambiguity and want your work to directly impact AI-driven discovery.
• Base salary…