Research Scientist I, Project Lead

Company 

Altis Biosystems is a commercial-stage life sciences company providing products and services that support drug, chemical, and food substance development, as well as academic and government research. Our core product, the RepliGut System, is a human intestine cell culture model used for target discovery, compound screening, disease modeling, microbiome research, toxicity, metabolism, drug absorption, and efficacy studies. 

We serve pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking non-animal, gastrointestinal-based pre-clinical screening platforms that more closely reflect human biology. As a growing company, Altis offers a hands-on environment where team members work across functions, wear multiple hats, and contribute directly to meaningful client and business outcomes. 

Altis serves a global market, and our products and services business is growing quickly to meet demand across toxicology, pharmacokinetics, nutrition, and inflammatory bowel disease research. This is an opportunity to join a fast-moving team where initiative is valued, priorities evolve, and individuals have real visibility and influence on key deliverables that help shape the company’s next stage of growth. 

Job Title: Research Scientist I, Project Lead 

Job Type: Full Time – On Site 

Position Summary: 

Altis Biosystems is seeking a Research Scientist I, Project Lead to own client-facing research projects from study design through data delivery. This role sits at the intersection of science and client service. You will work directly with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients to understand their research needs, design experiments using our RepliGut intestinal cell culture platform, execute studies in the lab, and communicate results clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. 

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in epithelial biology or a related discipline, thinks critically under shifting priorities, and communicates with clarity and confidence. You are comfortable leading conversations with clients, asking the right questions, and translating feedback into sound experimental direction. You will also collaborate closely with our R&D teams to advance current models and contribute to next-generation platform development. 

This is a hands-on role in a fast-moving environment where initiative matters; work is visible, and contributions directly shape client outcomes and company growth. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead client engagements by understanding project goals, asking clarifying questions, and translating client needs into executable experimental designs  
• Manage all phases of client projects, including study design, laboratory execution, data analysis, and timeline adherence  
• Prepare and present clear, concise reports summarizing study outcomes to both scientific and non-scientific client stakeholders  
• Develop and validate novel assays and models of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases in collaboration with Commercial and R&D teams  
• Execute routine and specialized biological assays (e.g., ELISA, qRT-PCR, IF microscopy)  
• Support laboratory operations and maintenance as needed 

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related scientific discipline; or master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience 
• Expertise in in-vitro cell culture, particularly with primary cells 
• Experience designing and executing biological assays (e.g., ELISA, qRT-PCR, IF microscopy) 
• Ability to present complex data clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) 
• Experience with project management software (e.g., Wrike) or demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Background in GI biology, mucosal immunology, or a closely related field  
• Experience with organoid or primary intestinal cell culture systems  
• Prior experience in a CRO or contract research environment, particularly in a client-facing capacity  
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug development workflows