Merge Labs
Research Associate - Neuron Models
$95K–$120K
San Francisco Bay Area · On-site · Full-time · Posted Oct 8, 2026
- Experience
- 2+ years of hands-on experience; no alternatives stated.
- Education
- BS, BA, or MS in a biology field.
About the job
Develops and scales neuronal in vitro models and assays to support high-throughput screening for next-generation neurotechnology.
What you'll do
- Expand, bank, and quality-control human iPSC lines and iPSC-derived neuron banks; isolate and culture rodent neurons.
- Maintain and experiment on neuronal cultures at scale, and optimize and upscale neuronal models and high-throughput assays.
- Document study outcomes and deviations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support reliable execution.
What they ask for
- BS, BA, or MS in a biology field.
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with advanced cell models such as iPSCs and CNS primary culture, plus excellent aseptic technique.
- Familiarity with routine biochemical assays, including gDNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA.
- Flexibility for intermittent weekend lab work; experience following SOPs and maintaining accurate structured sample-tracking records.
Nice to have
- Scientific understanding of neural pathologies such as neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity.
- Experience with automated large-scale cell-based screens, large dataset analysis, or optimizing complex iPSC-based CNS models.
Pay
$95K – $120K (base salary)
Tools
iPSCs, CNS primary culture, gDNA, RNA, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, ELISA, ELN, LIMS
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative