Research Associate - Reproductive Biology
Full-Time | In-person, South San Francisco | $80,000-$100,000 + equity
Vitra Labs is focused on transforming the paradigm for in vitro fertilization, using insights from reproductive biology to induce oocyte maturation in vitro. We are seeking a skilled Research Associate with expertise in cell biology to join our growing preclinical team and play a vital role in driving our discovery efforts. This is a hands-on, bench-focused role which will generate the high quality data our programs rely on to progress. The ideal candidate will be flexible, excited to learn new techniques and science, and thrive while collaborating with others in a fast-paced startup environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Dissect mouse ovaries and isolate oocytes from mouse and porcine tissues
- Manipulate isolated oocytes under a dissecting microscope.
- Routinely prepare multi-component culture media with a solid grasp of calculations and techniques involved
- Cryopreservation of mammalian cells and tissue
- Support in vivo mouse work through colony maintenance, breeding, and genotyping
- Manage lab supplies and inventory, support general lab operations, and assist in experimental setup and execution
- Maintain flexibility to work occasional limited weekend hours, as needed
- Perform brightfield and fluorescence imaging
Required Skills, Experience and Education:
- Bachelors degree in Life Sciences field (i.e. Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Physiology) with 0-1 year of experience in a biology-related field
- Proficiency in aseptic cell culture techniques
- Prior experience with mouse handling and tissue dissection
- Strong record-keeping and attention to detail, with the ability to follow protocols accurately and reproducibly
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills to function in a close-knit research group
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in mouse breeding and colony maintenance
- Familiarity with basic microscopy (brightfield and/or fluorescence)
- Experience with cryopreservation techniques, including the use of freezing straws
- Strong cell biology background; knowledge of ovarian biology, hormone signaling, or embryology a plus
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR
- Data analysis or computational experience (Prism, Excel, R, coding, etc.)
- Prior lab manager experience
Interested candidates should submit the following to hiring@vitra.bio for consideration:
- CV / Resume
- Brief cover letter, no more than 300 words, addressing at least one of the following:
- Detail your expertise in the aforementioned focus areas
- Highest-impact learning from the past year, or most recent book you read, and what you learned
- Why this role (and why now)