THE MISSION
Drug discovery has a translation problem: more than 95% of drugs that succeed in animal models fail in humans. We're building the alternative: human-first drug discovery, powered by organoids and AI, running on real human biology from the very first experiment.
Our platform is 87% concordant with clinical patient data - a vast improvement over the 3% translational success rate of animals. We’ve demonstrated the ability to model immunotoxicology, immunogen stimulation, and two autoimmune diseases with more on the way. Numerous pharma partners including 3 Fortune 500 companies are already using the platform. We've raised ~$30M from AIX Ventures, Marc Benioff, Jeff Dean, and Y Combinator. With the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 and the FDA's March 2026 validation framework, the regulatory tailwinds only continue to get stronger.
The opportunity ahead of the company is generational: build the first scaled engine for generating real human biological data, and use it to fundamentally change how medicines are discovered.
THE ROLE
Note to candidates: this describes a strong profile, not a checklist. If you don't match every point but believe you'd do this job well, please apply.
We are hiring a Scientist I to run the hands-on cell and tissue culture work that every Parallel Bio program depends on. You will process human tissue, build and maintain cell banks, run immunological assays, and turn what works at the bench into robust, documented processes.
This role is shared between Technical Operations and Science. You will split time between executing partner studies and strengthening the systems behind them: SOPs, cell inventory, and process consistency. It suits a scientist who likes the bench and has a high standard for technical accuracy, precision, and data quality.
WHY JOIN PARALLEL BIO
- Human-relevant immunology: your work generates human immune data that shapes real drug development decisions
- Early-team impact: the processes you build become how the company runs as it scales
- Partner-facing science: work directly on studies for biopharma partners
- Room to grow: scope expands as you take on ownership, toward Scientist II and process leadership
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Tissue processing and cell culture
- Process human lymphoid tissue and primary cells into single-cell suspensions and organoid cultures
- Apply donor acceptance criteria and track donor metadata to manage donor-to-donor variability
- Optimize and troubleshoot scientific protocols as needed in a data-driven manner
- Execute partner study protocols on schedule under aseptic technique
Cell banking and cryopreservation
- Cryopreserve, thaw, and recover primary human cells with consistent viability and yield
- Execute cell banking runs with full chain of custody from donor to vial
- Maintain the LN2 inventory: storage, sample tracking, and reconciliation
Assays and immune readouts
- Independently execute flow cytometry for immunophenotyping and study endpoint measurements
- Independently execute un functional assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, ELISpot, cytotoxicity), plus imaging or qPCR as programs require
- Analyze data (FlowJo, Prism, or equivalent) and contribute to study summaries for partners. Clearly communicate data and findings to stakeholders.
Process, documentation, and lab operations
- Draft and revise SOPs, and help train new team members on them
- Support the move from research-grade documentation toward GLP-like rigor
- Maintain core equipment and reagent inventory, and support EH&S programs
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- PhD in immunology, cell biology, bioengineering, or a related field with 0–2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience; an MS with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or a BS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience
- Hands-on proficiency in primary human cell or tissue culture under strict aseptic technique
- Hands-on proficiency in cryopreservation: freezing, thawing, and tracking cell stocks
- Hands-on proficiency in flow cytometry, plus at least one other immune assay method (e.g., ELISA, MSD, ELISpot, Luminex)
- Strong documentation habits grounded in data integrity (ALCOA+) principles: detailed electronic notebook entries, clear protocols, and records someone else can follow
- Collaboration across two teams and shifting between study execution and process work
- High standards for data quality and data integrity, and ability to apply scientific rigor to day-to-day operations
- Strong written and verbal skills, critical thinking and rational experimental design capabilities, and clear data presentation skills.
NICE TO HAVE
- Secondary lymphoid organ biology, organoid, or 3D culture experience
- Formal cell banking (MCB/WCB) with release testing such as sterility, mycoplasma, and identity
- Spectral or high-parameter flow cytometry (15+ colors)
- iPSC culture or stem cell-derived immune models
- Plate-based, higher-throughput workflows or liquid handling automation
- SOP authoring in a GLP- or GMP-aware environment
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- By 6 months: Independently running tissue processing, banking, and core assays for partner studies
- By 12 months: Trusted to run the cell bank and inventory day to day, with several SOPs you drafted in active use
LAB SAFETY AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to wear a tight-fitting respirator (e.g., N95 or half-face air-purifying respirator) when tasks require it. This includes medical clearance and an annual fit test.
- Work with human-derived tissue and cells at BSL-2, including bloodborne pathogen training; Hepatitis B vaccination is offered
- Ability to stand at the bench or biosafety cabinet for extended periods, and lift up to 25 lb (e.g., media cases and supplies)
LOCATION AND DETAILS
- Location: Brisbane, CA; fully onsite, with occasional weekend work for tissue arrivals and culture maintenance
- Compensation: $125k–140k USD base salary, plus equity
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k); paid time off
