Research Associate

Experience level: Bachelor's degree and 1+ year lab experience.

Skillset: Experienced in cell culture and sterile technique, highly organized researcher with a track record of maintaining a clean, organized, and safe lab space. Familiarity with iPSC cultures and/or 3D cultures is a plus.

The role: We are searching for a Research Associate to join our ovarian somatic cell research team to help with culture maintenance, media changes, sample collections and organoid handling. This is a junior, hands-on role for someone who wants to be in the lab every day, doing high-quality, repetitive work that's critical for experimental success. You will also support general cell culture by preparing and organizing media for the team and help maintain key equipment, including BSCs, incubators, and vacuum traps. You will also help with record keeping and make regular notes for all cell culture tasks.

Our mission: Conception is a startup with the mission of generating viable human eggs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Successful development of our research could have many benefits, such as removing age limits on motherhood, allowing for easy screening of eggs with harmful genetic mutations, and allowing same-sex couples to reproduce. This has been done in mice, and now we are working to translate it to humans.

Our research: To accomplish our goal, we must derive human germ and ovarian somatic cells from iPSCs. These germ cells should resemble both the transcriptional and epigenetic profile of in vivo germ cells that are able to enter meiosis and develop to viable human eggs and somatic cells should support these germs cells in development and maturation. We create ovarian organoids from stem cell derived cell types to help the eggs develop properly.

Who we're looking for: We're looking for someone exceptional at what they do, highly dependable, detail-focused, and energized by supporting our cell culture workflows. Motivated by being part of a larger mission and taking real pride in supporting the daily work of scientists. Flexibility is key. You're the kind of person who can adjust to shifting needs and work through heavier days in cell culture.

Come and work with us: We are well-funded and connected in Silicon Valley, offering competitive pay, equity, excellent healthcare benefits, and a collaborative research environment focused on meaningful results.

If you are passionate, hardworking, and aligned with our mission, we want to hear from you.

To learn more about the original mouse proof of concept to live birth that inspired us, see

To learn more about us, our mission, and approach you can read two features published by The New Yorker and MIT Technology Review.