Scientist/Sr. Scientist

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Valid8 Financial, Inc. is seeking a scientist to pioneer therapeutics in retinal disease. The role entails designing and managing experimental studies, analyzing data, and collaborating with teams. A Ph.D. in life sciences with extensive lab experience is required. Ideal candidates have a track record in cell culture and molecular biology, and possess strong problem-solving skills. The position offers a competitive salary range of $140,000 to $170,000 based on experience, with additional bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience required.
• Experience in retinal biology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage experimental studies.
• Conduct in vitro assays to investigate mechanisms of action.
• Analyze and communicate experimental data.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology, immunology, or related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Osanni is Designed for Sight. We are creative & agile innovators, passionate about developing breakthroughs to save eyesight.

At Osanni we are creating a uniquely different biotech company with the talent and unconventional thinking to deliver therapies to prevent and reverse blindness caused by retinal diseases.

We focus where others aren’t. Retinal diseases are multi-factorial, so we are using our energy and ingenuity to navigate our own original path to address these sight‑threatening conditions. Our approach to drug development brings creativity to science through design thinking. We are committed to tackling the toughest challenges and creating fundamentally different approaches to save vision. Our belief is that if we hold patients’ eyesight and physician practices as are our North Star, it will enhance our purpose, decision making, and our impact.

We are building a highly skilled and passionate team that truly enjoys the challenge of conquering the agility course of drug development and entrepreneurship. People are our greatest asset in achieving our ambitious mission at Osanni.

Introduction to the Role

The candidate will join an exciting start‑up with a nimble and fast‑paced team that is pioneering therapeutics to cure blindness. This role will be pivotal for uncovering the biological activity and mechanism of action of our therapeutics and will therefore be high‑impact with growth opportunity. The ideal candidate will have a proactive start‑up mentality with a strong foundation in cell culture and cell‑based assays, especially with experience in retina. Creative problem‑solving coupled with diligent attention to detail is essential. The candidate will work with our scientific team and contribute to advancing novel drug candidates from discovery into the clinic.

We are based in the vibrant incubator located in San Carlos, CA.

Key Responsibilities

Independently design, execute, and manage experimental studies to support research and pipeline development.

Conduct in vitro and cell‑based assays to investigate mechanisms of action (MoA) of pipeline programs; contribute to the identification of new mechanisms, compounds, assays, and tools to advance understanding of pathology and therapeutic targets.

Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental data through electronic lab notebooks, written reports, and presentations; independently troubleshoot technical challenges.

Establish, track, and maintain project timelines to ensure timely progress and delivery of milestones.

Collaborate closely with research and development team members to align experimental strategies with key scientific and program objectives.

Present findings and provide updates at individual, team, and cross‑functional meetings.

Maintain accurate and well‑organized electronic lab notebook records, including protocols, results, and datasets, in compliance with internal standards and laboratory safety regulations.

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.

Manage and coordinate activities with external partners, including CROs and academic collaborators.

Wear many hats! As a small start‑up there are many needs and a dynamic self‑starter unafraid to raise your hand and take on new tasks is critical.

Required Skills and Background

Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology, immunology, or a related life sciences field, with ≥2 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.

Experience in retinal biology or ophthalmology research is a plus.

Strong hands‑on laboratory experience required; prior experience in an industry drug discovery or development setting preferred.

Extensive experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique; experience with iPSC and primary cell culture is a plus.

• Prior experience mentoring, training, or managing team members is required.

Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing cell‑based in vitro and functional assays.

Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including ELISA, MSD, Luminex, nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and imaging (e.g., confocal microscopy).

Proficiency in data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, R, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to independently design, develop, optimise, and troubleshoot mechanism‑of‑action assays; experience managing or collaborating with CROs is a plus.

Demonstrated commitment to rigorous, reproducible, and innovative scientific research.

Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and a passion for translating basic science into therapeutic strategies.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams and lead scientific discussions.

Self‑motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

The anticipated base pay range for this role is $140,000 - $155,000 (Scientist) / $155,000 -$170,000 (Sr. Scientist) plus bonus and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, is determined by job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We will provide an intellectually stimulating, collegial and fast‑paced environment. If you are ready to be a part of designing the future of sight‑saving therapeutics, then we are excited to hear from you!