Scientist I, Discovery & Platform Innovation

UPSIDE Foods • Emeryville, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a high-agency bench scientist to architect our next frontier. As a Scientist I, you will be at the heart of our laboratory operations, thriving on the "blank page" stage of research. This role is built for a visionary "finisher"—someone who has the grit to drive deep fundamental science into scalable, revenue-generating commercial products through hands-on experimentation.
As a Scientist I in the Discovery group, you will take full ownership of laboratory-based research programs, transforming ambitious hypotheses into validated technologies and high-value cellular derivatives. You will innovate "out-of-the-box" to solve non-traditional biological hurdles using sophisticated genome engineering/cell biology/cell culture media strategies. Your work will bridge the digital-physical divide by implementing digital pipelines for automated data capture, ensuring discovery is efficient and data-rich.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular/Cell Biology or a related field, supported by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications or patents.
• Dedicated bench scientist with a proven track record of navigating the ambiguity of early-stage discovery and driving projects from concept to completion.
• Expert in advanced molecular biology, cellular assays, genome engineering (CRISPR/Cas9), and mammalian cell biology.
• Hands-on experience generating and interpreting large-scale datasets.
• Proficient in using Python, R, or AI-driven tools to automate data pipelines and extract patterns from complex biological noise.
• Self-starter who prefers creating new protocols over following existing ones.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with secretome analysis or specialized cellular products.
• Background in tissue engineering or specialized serum-free media development.
• Prior experience in a high-growth biotech startup environment.
• Experience on metabolomics and transcriptomics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive Bench-Scale Discovery: Transform ambitious hypotheses into validated technologies and high-value cellular derivatives.
• Hands-on Innovation: Perform cell line development and tissue engineering using cutting edge technologies.
• Multi-Omics Characterization: Integrate metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to characterize cell states.
• AI Integration: Create and utilize AI-augmented workflows to predict biological outcomes and accelerate the DBTL cycle.
• Pipeline Automation: Implement digital pipelines for automated data capture to ensure discovery is data-rich.
• Technical Mentorship: Act as a technical resource and subject matter expert for the R&D group with opportunities to mentor junior staff.

Benefits

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
• 83-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
• Pet insurance for your furry family members!
• Unlimited PTO
• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees