Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We work on (1) partial reprogramming, (2) blood factors, and (3) autophagy to rejuvenate and restore function to cells, tissues, and organisms.

This is a 3-year accelerated PhD program offered by Retro Biosciences in conjunction with the recently accredited Retro College of Woolf University. Under the guidance of world’s leading scientists in the field, fellows will support and lead aging research research projects, progressing through key milestones designed to prepare them for a scientist role.

Primary qualifications:

• STEM Bachelors or Masters, with an emphasis in biology. Bachelors must have additional experience, such as lab experience or biology study of other kinds. This is a European-style PhD program that does not start off with intro classes like an American PhD; you need to hit the ground running
• Exceptional organizational skills, time management, and meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• A passion for research on aging and age-related diseases
• Understanding of molecular and cell biology and hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture
• Experience with iPSCs or HSCs is desirable
• Previous experience with at least two of the skills outlined in the skills section below is a plus

• Planning and executing experiments as part of the team and independentl
• Advanced mammalian cell culture and assay development
• High throughput functional genomic screening methods such as ORF and CRISPR screens
•  mRNA and viral gene delivery techniques
• Core molecular biology skills, including PCR, cloning, plasmid design, and DNA extraction
• Next generation sequencing, omics data generation, with a focus on single-cell RNA-seq
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Techniques in iPSC differentiation and cellular reprogramming

If a fellow successfully meets growth expectations and milestones of progressive independence over the 3-year program period, the fellow will be offered a Scientist position at Retro. Additionally, this opportunity will also equip them with competitive research skills including high-throughput screening, gene editing and delivery, omics data generation, and strategies to develop therapy approaches to tackle aging and age-related diseases. 

The annual salary for this role is $90,450. Total compensation also includes generous equity, as well as these benefits and perks:

- 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 (with mgr approval)

- Paid parental leave 

- Annual learning & development stipend 

- Free lunch and snacks