Research Associate – Expression (Cell Bio)

Merge Labs • San Francisco, CA

3d • $95,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab aiming to bridge biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency, and experience. It is developing new approaches to brain-computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are intended to be safe and accessible.

The Expression team combines biochemistry, protein engineering, and cell biology to support the assembly of complex protein systems used as molecular readouts of neural activity. As a Research Associate, you will work alongside scientists to characterize and improve engineered molecular systems across mammalian cell models, including cell lines and neurons. You will grow and maintain cell cultures, develop and execute cell-based assays, and investigate how genetic designs and delivery conditions affect expression, function, and cell health. This hands-on role offers opportunities to contribute to experimental design, learn new techniques, and take increasing ownership of experimental workflows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays, strong aseptic technique, and willingness to learn new cell models.
• Familiarity with microscopy, plate-based assays, nucleic acid extraction, and qPCR.
• Scientific curiosity, strong observational skills, and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• Organized approach to managing multiple experiments, cell cultures, and timelines.
• Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience culturing primary cells or iPSC-derived neurons.
• Experience with high-content imaging, immunofluorescence, and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience developing or optimizing assays for cellular fitness, viability, cytotoxicity, or cellular stress.
• Experience with transfection, viral transduction, or optimizing gene expression in mammalian cells.
• Experience with large-scale cell-based screens or laboratory automation.

Responsibilities

• Grow, maintain, and perform experiments on mammalian cell lines and neuronal cultures.
• Evaluate engineered genetic constructs and delivery conditions in neuronal and other mammalian cell models.
• Develop and run high-content microscopy and plate-based assays to measure expression, cellular fitness, and viability.
• Perform routine biochemical and molecular analyses, including gDNA/RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Analyze and present findings, troubleshoot unexpected results, and help design follow-up experiments.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and protocols, and keep cell and reagent inventories organized.

What This Job Offers

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