Research Technician (tissue processing and cell culture)

Retro

$75K — $95K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 1-2 years of experience in a lab environment (academic or industry)
  • Comfortable with mouse tissues and primary samples
  • Basic mammalian cell culture experience
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail
  • Ability to execute time-sensitive workflows consistently

Responsibilities

  • Execute day-to-day isolation of immune cells from animal tissues
  • Coordinate with the in vivo team for timely handling of materials
  • Support media preparation and cell culture maintenance
  • Assist with sample preparation for downstream assays
  • Maintain accurate tracking of samples and inventory
  • Contribute to SOPs and process improvements
  • Ensure a clean and organized cell-culture workspace

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
  • 401(k) plan with 4% company matching
  • Unlimited time off and 10 paid holidays annually
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • Complimentary lunches and snacks
Full Job Description
We are hiring a new member of the HSC team who will execute tissue and sample processing. You'll be the reliable engine that keeps the samples moving. Most of your time will focus on processing tissue samples and working hand-in-hand with our in vivo team to anticipate and coordinate organized, time-sensitive workflows. Over time, under the guidance of another HSC member, you'll grow into the owner of the tissue-processing workflow. As the program progresses, there will also be an opportunity for you to learn cell therapy manufacturing.

About you:

You're reliable and organized and skilled at hands-on, time-sensitive lab work. You're comfortable with mouse tissues and primary samples, and you're meticulous about labeling, timing, and records. You're collaborative and easy-going; you communicate proactively, and you bring a positive attitude to a fast-moving environment. You like being the person a team can count on to be consistent and you also understand that routines can always be improved.

What you'll do in this role:

  • Own execution of day-to-day isolation of immune cells from animal tissues - blood, bones, and spleen - giving you a direct view into engraftment results.
  • Coordinate closely with the in vivo team so material for preclinical studies are handled promptly and correctly.
  • Support media preparation, media changes, and cell culture maintenance for iPSC/iHSC differentiation workflows, including weekend coverage as part of a team rotation.
  • Assist with sample prep and handoff for downstream assays, including flow cytometry.
  • Help store and organize large datasets from readouts, coordinating with the compbio team.
  • Maintain accurate sample labels, culture logs, inventory, and reagent tracking.
  • Contribute to SOPs and process improvements as you take ownership of the workflow.
  • Help keep a clean, organized cell-culture work area.


You might thrive in this role if you:

  • Have experience working in a lab environment in an academic or industry setting.
  • Are comfortable working with mouse tissues.
  • Have basic mammalian cell culture experience.
  • Are highly organized and reliable, with high attention to detail.
  • Can execute repetitive, schedule-sensitive workflows consistently and carefully.
  • Follow SOPs and checklists while flagging issues and ideas quickly.


Bonus if you have experience:

  • Processing primary samples - blood, bone marrow, spleen, or similar.
  • Culturing iPSC and/or primary HSC cells.
  • Analyzing cell composition using flow cytometry, including operation of a CytoFLEX
  • Performing antibody staining and preparing immune or hematopoietic samples for flow cytometry; experience developing or optimizing staining panels is a plus.
  • Managing and organizing large sample datasets (750+ samples) ensuring sample traceability.


$75,000 - $95,000 a year

At Retro, we don't use titles. New hires join as a "Member of X Team." The expectations for this role are generally aligned to the level of an early-career Research Technician.

Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
  • 401(k) plan with 4% matching
  • Unlimited time off and 10 company holidays per year
  • Annual learning & development stipend
  • Free lunch and snacks

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