Associate Scientist

This is a full-time, onsite role in San Francisco. This role is a shifted schedule (Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday). 

You will be an integral member of the Bioengineering team, supporting the development and operation of advanced human tissue models for therapeutic discovery and translational research. This role is ideal for a highly motivated experimental scientist who enjoys working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and automation in a fast-paced R&D environment.

You will work closely with scientists, engineers, roboticists, and software teams to support large-scale tissue culture workflows, execute routine and specialized assays, and help maintain reliable operation of automated tissue culture systems. The ideal candidate is hands-on, adaptable, detail-oriented, and excited to learn new technologies and experimental approaches.

This role requires flexibility, strong experimental rigor, and comfort operating in a highly collaborative environment with evolving priorities and workflows.

• Support routine expansion, maintenance, and characterization of primary human cell cultures using aseptic technique.
• Assist with 3D tissue seeding, maintenance, feeding, harvesting, and downstream processing workflows.
• Execute routine molecular and cellular assays including ELISAs, flow cytometry, cell digestions, fixations, staining workflows, and sample preparation.
• Support tissue characterization workflows including imaging, cytokine analysis, and functional assays.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation using electronic lab notebooks and SOPs.

• Train as an operator for automated tissue culture and experimental workflows.
• Monitor and supervise automated workflows during scheduled operating windows, including occasional non-standard shifts (e.g. evening shifts or one weekend day).
• Interface closely with robotics and hardware teams to troubleshoot workflow issues and improve platform reliability.
• Assist in validating and optimizing automated protocols for scalability and reproducibility.

• Collaborate closely with scientists across bioengineering, biology, automation, and computational teams.
• Communicate experimental progress, issues, and observations clearly and proactively.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and support development of scalable laboratory workflows.
• Help maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and operational readiness.

• Learn and adopt new experimental techniques, instrumentation, and automation workflows.
• Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in troubleshooting and problem-solving for experimental and operational challenges.

• Bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biology, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related life sciences field.
• 1-3 years of prior experience in industry.
• Hands-on experience with sterile mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Familiarity with standard wet-lab molecular and cellular biology assays.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative research environment.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules as needed to support automated experimental workflows after training is completed.

• Masters degree is a plus.
• Experience working with primary human cells and/or 3D cell culture systems such as organoids, spheroids, or organ-on-chip platforms.
• Experience with assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, immunostaining, or fluorescence imaging.
• Exposure to automated laboratory systems, liquid handling robotics, or high-throughput workflows is a plus.
• Familiarity with laboratory data analysis and visualization tools.

• Highly motivated and intellectually curious individuals who are excited to learn quickly and take ownership.
• Strong experimental instincts and willingness to support a wide variety of laboratory activities.
• Someone who thrives in dynamic environments and can adapt as priorities evolve.
• Interest in the convergence of biology, automation, robotics, and AI-enabled experimentation.
• A collaborative teammate who communicates clearly and works effectively across disciplines.
• A practical problem-solver who is dependable, resourceful, and eager to contribute wherever needed.

• High-Impact Mission — Play a foundational role in transforming drug discovery through computational biology applied to the richest human tissue datasets in existence.
• Method, Not Just Application — You won't just run pipelines. You'll decide what pipelines should exist, whether they're working, and what should replace them.
• Multi-Disciplinary Exposure — Work alongside experts in robotics, AI, tissue engineering, and microfluidics in a deeply cross-functional setting.
• Growth Opportunities — A fast-growing startup with significant autonomy, ownership, and direct influence over the biological data infrastructure and analytical strategy.

Vivodyne, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Vivodyne complies with all laws respecting equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants with regard to any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, and local law.