Scientist / Senior Scientist, Structural Cell Biology

Altos Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs is seeking a Scientist in the Bay Area to advance brain aging and neurodegeneration programs. You will design and implement innovative microscopy approaches, work with CNS cell types derived from iPSCs, and apply genetic perturbations to study structure and function in neural systems.

The role requires expertise in light and electron microscopy, image analysis, and related biochemistry methods, reporting to senior scientists and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field (Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics)
• Thorough understanding of light microscopy image visualization, analysis, and processing
• Demonstrable understanding of biochemistry and electron microscopy applications
• Excellent communication and collaboration within a dynamic team

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced cell culture and genetic manipulation of iPSC-derived CNS cells
• Lead light microscopy experiments from design to image analysis
• Bridge in vitro and in vivo models across Altos research labs
• Assist with image analysis using Zen, ImageJ, Arivis, Napari, Fiji
• Prepare samples for cryo-electron microscopy, including single particle/tomographic imaging

Skills

Microscopy imaging analysis

Scientific collaboration

Biochemistry knowledge

Education

PhD in Cell Biology/Neuroscience/Genetics

Tools

Zen

Fiji/ImageJ

Relion

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 altoslabs.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

As an individual contributor and Scientist at the Bay Area Institute of Science, you will play a key role in advancing Altos' scientific programs on brain aging and neurodegeneration. Working within the Frost lab, you will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative experimental approaches using electron and light microscopy techniques. This includes developing and utilizing cell types derived from the central nervous system (CNS), applying genetic perturbations to these cells, and employing experimental approaches that include light microscopy and electron microscopy. The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of CNS cell biology and proficiency in advanced microscopy, image analysis and the biochemical techniques required for electron microscopy. This role reports to Senior Scientist Frank Moss, who reports to Vice President Adam Frost.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced cell culture, and genetic manipulation of iPSC-derived CNS cell types.
• Provide independent design and implementation of all phases of light microscopy experimentation, including experimental design, microscope operation, image capture, and quantitative image analysis.
• Engage with cross-Altos research labs to bridge in vitro with in vivo models and to suggest complementary biochemical and imaging approaches.
• Assist other scientists in the Frost group and beyond in analysis of microscope images using tools such as Zen, Elements, Arivis, Napari, Fiji, or other software. When appropriate, manage image analysis collaborations with the Computer Vision team.
• Prepare samples for cryo-electron microscopy, including single particle and tomographic imaging.

Who You Are

Minimum qualifications

• PhD in a related field, such as Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics
• Thorough understanding of the principles of light microscopy image visualization, analysis, and processing.
• Demonstrable understanding of biochemistry, including the use of electron microscopy for structural biochemistry.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate within a dynamic team.

Preferred qualifications

• Preparation and culturing of iPSC-derived human CNS cell types
• Operation of light microscopes for fixed and live imaging, including confocal and structured illumination microscopes
• Practical experience with the management of terabyte-size microscopy datasets
• Literacy in Fiji/ImageJ, Arivis, Relion, cryoSPARC, MATLAB, R, or Python
• Practical experience with cellular image segmentation and quantitation

The salary range for Redwood City, CA

• Scientist I, Structural Cell Biology: $148,700 - $190,600
• Scientist II, Structural Cell Biology: $157,200 - $201,500
• Senior Scientist I, Structural Cell Biology: $174,200 - $223,300

#LI-NN1

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.

Note: Altos Labs will not ask you to download a messaging app for an interview or outlay your own money to get started as an employee. If this sounds like your interaction with people claiming to be with Altos, it is not legitimate and has nothing to do with Altos. Learn more about a common job scam at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-spot-avoid-online-job-scams-biron-clark/