Research Specialist I

Altos Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs in San Francisco, CA is seeking a Research Specialist I to join the In Vivo Translational Operations (IVTS) team. The successful candidate will support progression of therapeutic programs by conducting and optimizing in vivo studies and executing preclinical studies, collaborating with Directors and Scientists to prioritize projects and ensure milestones.

The role requires Master’s or BA/BS with 8+ years in pharma, extensive rodent experience, welfare-focused approach, and strong

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in life sciences or BA/BS with 8+ years in pharma.
• Extensive in vivo rodent experience in mice and rats.
• 3Rs welfare-focused approach and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and manage in vivo studies in mice and rats.
• Develop dosing protocols and manage tissue collection.
• Perform survival surgeries using aseptic techniques.
• Collaborate on new animal models and data analysis.
• Document studies in electronic lab notebook with traceability.
• Work with cross-functional teams to support programs.

Skills

In vivo rodent work

Surgical procedures

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Autonomous work

Education

Master’s degree or BA/BS + 8+ years

Job description

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

For more information, see our website at altooslabs.com.

Our Value

Our Single Altos Value: Everyone Owns Achieving Our Inspiring Mission.

Diversity at Altos

Altos Labs has been named one of the Top 3 Biotech Companies and ranked for the second year on the Forbes 2026 Best Startups in America list. At Altos, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.

What You Will Contribute To Altos

An exciting opportunity is available for a dedicated and highly skilled Research Specialist I to join the In Vivo Translational Operations (IVTS) team of Drug Discovery and Development (3DS) at Altos Labs. The successful candidate will be supporting the progression of our therapeutic programs by conducting and optimizing in vivo research activities and successful execution of preclinical studies. This role will collaborate closely with the Directors and Scientists to ensure the effective prioritization of projects, achievement of milestones, and overall operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, executing and managing in vivo studies (in both mice and rats), including protocol development, dosing and tissue collection, study monitoring, bio sample management, tissue processing and relevant data analysis
• Conduct survival surgeries to establish various rodent models using aseptic techniques
• Collaborate in the development, characterization and implementation of new animal models to improve the effectiveness of in vivo pharmacology studies
• Provide critical input for the development of project-specific approaches, adapting techniques and procedures to incorporate emerging technologies and best practices
• Contribute to enhancing the lab's efficiency and impact through the development of workflows and innovative experimental strategies
• Maintain detailed documentation of all studies in electronic lab notebook to ensure data integrity and traceability
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Institute of Sciences, In Vitro Pharmacology, Science Integration, Innovation and Insights, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, etc. to support the development and progression of therapeutic programs
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards in the conduct of in vivo studies
• Contributes to a team culture that promotes continuous improvement, ownership, professional growth, and inclusion

Who You Are

• Master’s degree in life-science or related field or BA/BS with 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical industry
• Broad and extensive expertise with all aspects of in vivo rodent research (various dosing routes, anesthesia, surgical procedures, necropsy, tissue processing, etc.) in both mice and rats
• 3Rs-centered, welfare-oriented approach to animal-based research
• Strong communication skills, essential for effective collaboration with cross‑functional teams and CROs used for outsourced studies
• Exceptional organizational and attention to detail skills, with the capacity to work autonomously as well as in a team setting
• Ability to troubleshoot and effectively solve problems in a timely and efficient manner, demonstrating resourcefulness and a high level of analytical thinking

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working across diverse therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biotherapeutics, nucleic acid therapeutics, and gene therapy is highly desirable
• Experience analyzing age-related diseases/deficits in animal models; including inflammation, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, muscle atrophy, bone loss and/or joint deficits

The salary range for San Diego, CA:

• Research Specialist I: $

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We value collaboration and scientific excellence.

We believe that a culture of belonging are foundational to scientific innovation and inquiry. At Altos Labs, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining an inclusive environment.

Altos Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Altos prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.