(Senior) Research Associate, iPSCs

Conception • Berkeley, CA

1d

About The Position

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 to make this vision a reality.

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented junior scientist to support routine iPSC culture and foundational preclinical work. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior scientist who follows protocols carefully, learns quickly from senior teammates, and enjoys adding value in the lab. Prior experience with cell culture is critical, with strong sterile technique skills. Direct experience with iPSC/ES culture is a strong plus but not required. The shifted Tuesday to Saturday schedule availability is critical to our workflows - we offer a salary adjustment for this.
We value passion, curiosity, and determination as much as experience. If you’re inspired by the challenge of building the future of reproductive medicine, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in biology or a related field
• 6 months + of experience with sterile cell culture in an academic or industry setting
• Demonstrated ability to follow protocols meticulously, maintain clean cultures, and record data with high integrity
• Basic molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction and PCR
• Positive attitude, team mindset, and excitement to be at the bench

Nice To Haves

• Flow cytometry experience a plus
• Direct experience with iPSC/ES culture is a strong plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Culture and maintain our iPSCs: Uphold rigorous standards for culture quality and standard practice, including practicing sterile technique and following protocols with a close attention to detail.
• Support cell banks and iPSC line quality control: Be a central player in making sure our iPSC line quality control is performed accurately and with care for both core and R&D lines, including mycoplasma and sterility testing and preparing samples for whole genome sequencing (DNA extraction, coordinating with CROs for sequencing).
• Perform directed differentiations: Perform routine differentiations with care, including cell culture passaging and tracking success. Maintain rigorous documentation of culture events within existing frameworks.
• Help improve quality control and standard operating procedures: Be a central part of creating new quality control standards and stabilizing operating procedures, including helping to write protocols and ensure implementation in the lab.
• Prepare critical reagents: Help organize and perform preparation of media, small molecules, and other cell culture reagents.

Benefits

• Impact: Help build a high-reliability iPSC core that underpins our preclinical pipeline, with the potential to transform human reproduction
• Mission-driven: Work alongside passionate scientists tackling one of the most exciting frontiers in biology with a team that is deeply mission aligned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level