Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist (Complex In Vitro Systems)

TL;DR

Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist (Complex In Vitro Systems): Develop, characterize, and qualify advanced complex in vitro ocular models (iPSC-derived retinal organoids and retinal organoid/RPE co-culture) to support drug development with an accent on model qualification studies, advanced imaging, and multi-omics functional/phenotypic assays. Focus on designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and communicating results to cross-functional collaborators to enable ocular disease modeling and translational safety evaluation.

Location: South San Francisco, California, United States of America

Salary: $120,700–$224,100 (Senior Scientist) and $141,500–$262,900 (Principal Scientist)

Company

hirify.global, a member of the Roche group, advances groundbreaking biotechnology research to discover and develop medicines.

What you will do

• Culture and characterize state-of-the-art human iPSC-derived ocular complex in vitro models (CIVM), including retinal organoids and integrated retinal organoid/RPE co-culture platforms.
• Design and execute model qualification and characterization studies using advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and functional/phenotypic assays.
• Evaluate retinal model readouts such as cell viability, morphology, photoreceptor health, and RPE barrier integrity and function (e.g., cytotoxicity assays, confocal/high-content imaging, transepithelial resistance/permeability assays).
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and maintain rigorous, high-quality electronic documentation aligned with departmental SOPs.
• Share scientific insights across functional teams and contribute to internal/external scientific presentations and publication efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to align ocular complex model building with therapeutic strategies and program needs.

Requirements

• PhD in biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, or a related field with hypothesis-driven research in industry or academia.
• Experience developing, qualifying, and applying 3D ocular tissue models, retinal organoids, co-culture systems, and microphysiological/microfluidic platforms for drug discovery and translational research.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques including qRT-PCR, scRNA-seq, proteomics, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, live-cell/time-lapse imaging, and high-content imaging/screening.
• Ability to analyze, integrate, and clearly communicate/present data to colleagues; strong organizational and communication skills, including experience writing detailed SOPs.
• Senior Scientist: 0–4 years post-PhD experience; Principal Scientist: 5+ years post-PhD experience.

Nice to have

• Experience with stem cell-based systems and an ophthalmology background.
• Experience with cell engineering, design of experiments (DOE), and computational data analysis and/or programming.

Culture & Benefits

• Lab-based role focused on scientific rigor, attention to detail, and high-quality documentation.
• Collaborative environment with cross-disciplinary partnerships across development and research functions.
• Discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.
• Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.