Research Associate - Neuron Models

Merge Labs • San Francisco, CA

1d • $95,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab focused on bridging biological and artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities. The team develops models and screening methods for next-generation neurotechnology. This role involves generating neural cells from human iPSCs and rodent tissue, developing custom assays, and analyzing data for large-scale screening. The position emphasizes robust and scalable experimental design, execution, and collaboration with cross-functional partners to answer scientific questions with reproducible in vitro data. The ideal candidate will be a strong learner, capable of acquiring new technical skills and scientific methodologies rapidly, and will be instrumental in building the in vitro team from the ground up. This is a hands-on position requiring independence, precision, and the ability to deliver consistent, reproducible results.

Requirements

• BS, BA, or MS in a biology field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in advanced cell models such as iPSCs and CNS primary culture.
• Excellent aseptic techniques.
• Familiarity with routine biochemical assays such as gDNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA.
• Schedule flexibility to perform intermittent weekend lab work to ensure proper iPSC maintenance.
• Experience following SOPs for consistent and reliable execution.
• Meticulous observational skills to recognize cell behavior deviations and data anomalies, and communicate issues early.
• Scientific curiosity. Ability to actively troubleshoot experiments by searching literature, forming hypotheses, designing, and executing tech-dev experiments.
• An organized approach to managing multiple cell lines, assays, requests, and timelines.
• Strong documentation habits and experience maintaining accurate sample, lot, and process records in an ELN, LIMS, or another structured sample-tracking system.

Nice To Haves

• Scientific understanding of neural pathologies such as neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity.
• Experience performing large-scale screens with cell-based assays using automation instruments such as liquid handlers, plate washers and high-throughput imagers.
• Experience with large dataset analysis.
• Experience optimizing complex in vitro CNS models using iPSCs.

Responsibilities

• Expand, bank, and QC human iPSC lines.
• Produce human iPSC-derived neuron banks on a large scale and perform quality control assays for each batch.
• Isolate and culture rodent neurons from provided brain tissues.
• Generate, maintain, and perform experiments on long-term neuronal cell cultures at scale.
• Recognize, document, and communicate deviations from expected production or QC outcomes.
• Help design and engineer workhorse iPSC lines.
• Facilitate the method development (optimization, troubleshooting, and upscaling) of neuronal models and high-throughput neuronal biochemical, imaging, and activity assays.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and audit-ready study documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree