Research Associate, Discovery

Research Associate
Location: South San Francisco, CA

Neurona Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, focused on the development of allogeneic, cell-based therapies for neurological diseases.

Neurona Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support discovery-stage research focused on human pluripotent stem cell–derived neuronal systems. This role will contribute to the maintenance, differentiation, and functional characterization of human stem cell–derived neuronal populations and will support multiple discovery programs in a fast-paced, collaborative biotechnology environment.

• Maintain and differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into diverse neuronal populations, scaling from large-format culture vessels to miniaturized screening formats (24–384 well plates)
• Culture, feed, harvest, and maintain human pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cell types, including neurons and astrocytes
• Prepare tissue culture reagents (media, small molecules, cytokines) and support tissue culture room upkeep and reagent restocking
• Develop and execute cell-based assays to characterize cellular identity and function, including:
  Immunocytochemistry;
  Flow cytometry; RT-qPCR; RNA sequencing;
  Live-cell imaging
• Design, plan, and execute experiments using established in-house functional assay platforms, including multielectrode array (MEA) and high-throughput calcium imaging
• Perform fluorescence-activated and/or magnetic-activated cell sorting (FACS/MACS)
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Discovery and related functions
• Support additional Discovery projects involving human neuronal cell culture and cell-based assays
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data at team meetings
• Contribute to workflow optimization and process improvements to improve efficiency and reproducibility
• Collect, organize, and manage biological samples and inventories
• Maintain detailed experimental records in accordance with industry standards and best practices
• Manage reagent inventories and support equipment calibration and routine maintenance
• Demonstrate flexibility to work limited overtime hours and/or weekends as needed

• BS or MS degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an academic or industry laboratory setting
• Working knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA/RNA extraction
• 1–2 years of hands-on experience with sterile mammalian cell culture
• Experience executing in vitro functional assays, including independent instrument operation, data extraction, and quantitative analysis
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Willingness to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy
• Ability to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving project needs in a dynamic startup environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong team orientation with the ability to work independently when needed

• Hands-on experience with functional calcium imaging and/or multielectrode array (MEA) electrophysiology using primary neuronal cultures
• Experience with flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated and/or magnetic-activated cell sorting (FACS/MACS)
• Experience using R, MATLAB, or Python for data analysis
• Experience with gene delivery techniques, including viral transduction (LV/AAV)
• Familiarity with histochemical techniques and basic microscopy
• Experience with sterile human stem cell and neuronal cell culture