Scientist

Sculpta Bio; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Full medical/dental/vision benefits

Career development support

Job summary

A pioneering biotech startup is seeking a bench scientist to design and execute mechanistic studies in a fast-paced environment. The role requires a strong foundation in molecular biology and experience in assay development. Join a motivated team dedicated to advancing innovative RNA therapies for neurological disorders with a competitive salary range of $100,000–$140,000, equity opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• PhD plus >2 years (post-doc or industry) in molecular biology / assay development.
• Strong record-keeping and data analysis.
• Energized by fast-paced, mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Design & execute studies on in vitro target biology.
• Collaborate with computational and stem cell experts.
• Lead programs and contribute to strategic decisions.

Skills

Proficient in cell culture

RNA & protein extraction

cDNA/qPCR/RT-PCR

Western blot

ELISA

flow cytometry

high throughput-format experimental design

liquid handlers

Education

PhD in molecular biology or equivalent

Job description

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Sculpta is pioneering Protein Sculpting therapeutics that change the structure and function ofdisease-causing proteins in the brain using splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides. Our mission is to translate this cutting-edge biology into first-in-class treatments to devastating neurological disorders. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious startup on the ground floor and make a difference from Day 1. As a bench scientist you’ll work with a dedicated team to design and drive the mechanistic studies that validate our platform and move our highly differentiated and promising asset programs to IND. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated by the urgency of improving human brain health, we want you on our team.

Who we are.

Backed by an oversubscribed pre-seed round from a syndicate of 6 biotech VCs, we opened doors this year at MBC BioLabs at 135 Mississippi Street in San Francisco. Our team blends deep expertise in RNA biology, brain organoids, single-cell transcriptomics and computational biology. We are led by a board-certified physician-scientist with two decades of experience leading ambitious and highly impactful work (ex-Stanford faculty; publications in Nature, Cell, Science, etc.).

What you’ll do:

• Design & execute studies on in vitro target biology, mechanism of action, and RNA and protein isoform modulation with antisense oligonucleotides
• Use a process engineering mindset to develop robust assays with a focus on reproducibility, reliability, and scalability
• Collaborate with computational and stem cell experts to convert transcriptomic insights into bench strategy.
• Real ownership. You’ll lead programs, contribute to strategic decisions, and run experiments end-to-end.
• Own data integrity—rigorous documentation and clear communication.

You will thrive when you …

• Identify the most important “next” experiment among many possibilities through strong scientific intuition and feedback from other team members
• Learn new areas of biology and techniques rapidly and can anticipate challenges and strategic pitfalls
• Anticipate the most important experimental controls that enable you to get the most out of every experimental cycle
• Combine RNA, molecular biology and human genetics expertise to critically assess target biology
• Enjoy working with people as motivated and invested as you are

Must-have skills:

• PhD plus >2 yrs (post-doc or industry) in molecular biology / assay development (or equivalent)
• Proficiency in cell culture, RNA & protein extraction, cDNA/qPCR/RT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, high throughput-format experimental design, liquid handlers
• Strong record-keeping and data analysis
• Are energized by fast-paced, mission-driven work and take pride in building systems that others can rely on

Bonus: experience with antisense oligos, RNA biology, single-cell RNA-seq, neurodegenerative models, an understanding of new drug target selection, IND-enabling studies.

Why Sculpta?

• Rigorous, cross-disciplinary science at the frontier of RNA therapeutics, which is an area growing in investment dollars and clinical translation success
• Supportive environment: clear communication, mutual respect, shared ambition, invested in your career development.
• Resourced: In the face of a challenging biotech funding environment, we raised more than anticipated to achieve our milestones. We utilize outside services (e.g. purchasing) so that you maintain focus on critical experiments.
• Strong leadership: Our CEO makes decisions rapidly and transparently and follows through on commitments and strategic moves.
• Competitive package: Scientist I/II title, $100–140K salary, equity at the “pre-seed” stage with immense upside potential, full medical/dental/vision (~100% employee premiums, 50% dependents)

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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