Research Associate, Cell Biology & Neuronal Cultures

Merge Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Merge Labs is seeking a Research Associate to work with scientists on engineered molecular systems in mammalian cell models, including neurons. You’ll grow and maintain cell cultures, develop cell‑based assays, and explore how genetic designs and delivery conditions affect expression and cell health.

This hands‑on role offers growth in experimental design and ownership of workflows. You’ll contribute to assay development, data analysis, and documentation while collaborating across teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell‑based assays, with strong aseptic technique and a willingness to learn new cell models.
• Familiarity with microscopy, plate-based assays, nucleic acid extraction, and qPCR.
• Scientific curiosity, strong observational skills, and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• An organized approach to managing multiple experiments, cell cultures, and timelines.
• Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Grow, maintain, and perform experiments on mammalian cell lines and neuronal cultures.
• Evaluate engineered genetic constructs and delivery conditions in neuronal and other mammalian cell models.
• Develop and run high-content microscopy and plate-based assays to measure expression, cellular fitness, and viability.
• Perform routine biochemical and molecular analyses, including gDNA/RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Analyze and present findings, troubleshoot unexpected results, and help design follow‑up experiments.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, protocols, and organized cell and reagent inventories.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Microscopy

qPCR

aseptic technique

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in cell biology or related field

Tools

Nucleic acid extraction

Job description

Merge Labs is seeking a Research Associate to work with scientists on engineered molecular systems in mammalian cell models, including neurons. You’ll grow and maintain cell cultures, develop cell‑based assays, and explore how genetic designs and delivery conditions affect expression and cell health.

This hands‑on role offers growth in experimental design and ownership of workflows. You’ll contribute to assay development, data analysis, and documentation while collaborating across teams to