Research Scientist-Retinal & Aging Assay Development (Molecular & Cellular Biology)

Biocient, Inc; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision

Paid parental leave

15 paid days off and 12 paid holidays

5 paid sick days

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Torrance is seeking a Research Scientist to support retinal and aging assay development. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. and have strong expertise in molecular biology, as well as hands-on experience with rodent models. This position offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional growth in an innovative research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of applied research experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Ability to troubleshoot and follow complex research protocols independently.
• Experience with experimental design and maintaining detailed laboratory records.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of retinal and aging-related molecular/cellular assays.
• Perform rodent handling and tissue dissection for various projects.
• Contribute to research reports and manuscript preparation.
• Integrate molecular and imaging readouts into cohesive datasets for aging and retinal disease mechanism studies.
• Conduct studies in accordance with approved protocols.
• Perform rodent handling, dosing, and tissue dissection for retinal degeneration and aging projects, including collection of eyes and aging brain regions as needed.
• Carry out assays in live or freshly isolated tissues (retina, optic nerve, CNS) to evaluate therapeutic response and aging biomarkers.
• Perform immunohistochemical staining, confocal microscopy, and image analysis with retina/aging endpoints as primary outcomes.

Skills

Hands-on expertise with rodent models

Strong background in molecular biology

Strong quantitative analysis skills

Excellent communication skills

PCR/qPCR

Western blotting

Rodent handling

Data analysis

Experimental design

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, or related field

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Confocal microscopy

PCR/qPCR

Western blotting

Job description

Research Scientist – Retinal & Aging Assay Development (Molecular & Cellular Biology)

Employment Type: Full‑Time, On‑Site

Position Overview

Biocient is seeking a highly motivated and detail‑oriented Research Scientist to support our aging and retinal assay platform. This role is focused on mechanisms of aging and retinal degeneration and is a part of our growing portfolio of neurodegenerative disease programs.

Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, you will own key experimental workflows and assay pipelines in rodent models and ex vivo tissues, generating high‑quality molecular, cellular, and imaging data to guide therapeutic discovery. This position is ideal for a scientist who thrives in hands‑on translational research and enjoys developing robust, reproducible assays that support multiple projects.

About Us

Biocient is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for complex neurodegenerative and age‑associated diseases. Our work bridges decades of scientific research with a forward‑looking approach that combines proprietary bioactive compounds and AI‑driven insights from disease‑specific datasets. We are passionate about transforming scientific breakthroughs into impactful treatments that improve lives.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, or related field
• Minimum 1 year of applied research experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology
• Hands‑on expertise with rodent models and tissue‑based workflows, especially ocular/retinal tissue
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, PCR/qPCR, and Western blotting
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills
• Experience with experimental design, data interpretation, and maintaining detailed laboratory records
• Ability to troubleshoot and follow complex research protocols independently
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Commitment to lab safety practices and training requirements

Preferred / Plus

• Direct experience with retinal degeneration, ocular disease models, or visual system neuroscience
• Experience in aging biology, geroscience, or age‑associated tissue changes in rodents
• Track record of assay development/optimization, SOP writing, or platform building
• Basic bioinformatics skills
• Familiarity with AI‑enabled approaches in biomedical research

Key Responsibilities

Retinal & Aging Assay

• Lead development, optimization, and validation of retinal and aging‑related molecular/cellular assays to support multiple internal programs.
• Own retinal tissue workflows including eye dissection, retinal isolation, sectioning (cryostat/vibratome), staining, and quantitative degeneration scoring.
• Establish assay SOPs, QC standards, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and platform scalability.
• Integrate molecular and –imaging readouts into cohesive datasets for aging and retinal disease mechanism studies.
• Conduct studies in accordance with approved protocols.
• Perform rodent handling, dosing, and tissue dissection for retinal degeneration and aging projects, including collection of eyes and aging brain regions as needed.
• Carry out assays in live or freshly isolated tissues (retina, optic nerve, CNS) to evaluate therapeutic response and aging biomarkers.
• Perform immunohistochemical staining, confocal microscopy, and image analysis with retina/aging endpoints as primary outcomes.

Data Generation, Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data with strong quantitative rigor.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, metadata, and organized datasets.
• Collect, enter, and assist with analysis of multi‑assay data streams supporting aging and retinal programs.
• Contribute to research reports, presentations, grant or investor materials, and manuscript preparation.

Program Support & Lab Operations

• Support mouse colony management relevant to retinal and aging studies (breeding coordination, genotyping oversight where needed).
• Conduct literature searches, help synthesize findings, and inform experimental direction.
• Participate in team meetings, provide regular updates to the PI, and collaborate cross‑functionally.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment and complete all required safety training.
• Perform other research‑related duties as assigned.

• We offer a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 15 paid days off plus 12 paid holidays, and 5 paid sick days).
• The opportunity for personal and professional growth in a fast‑moving, mission‑driven biotech environment.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

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