Laboratory Scientist

Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Pay Range: $80,000-$120,000 based on experience

We are so excited you are interested in joining our team! Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not tick every box. If you are excited to empower science through innovation, we want to hear from you!

Form Bio is transforming the future of genetic medicine and genome engineering with AI. 

For more information, visit www.formbio.com

The Laboratory Scientist will be a hands-on contributor in setting up our lab operations and running critical assays that advance cell and gene therapies, RNA, and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) programs from concept to IND. The ideal candidate is resourceful, detail-oriented, and thrives in a start-up environment.

Responsibilities

• Build, validate, and run molecular and cell-based assays that measure the potency, expression, and function of novel genetic medicine payloads spanning a range of therapeutic modalities.
• Establish and maintain lab systems, workflows, and assay documentation from the ground up.
• Coordinate with external vendors for gene synthesis and related services. 
• Execute a range of experimental methods, including:
• Molecular assays: qPCR/ddPCR, RT-qPCR, plasmid prep, Gateway cloning
• Protein assays: ELISA, Western blot, AlphaLISA, MSD, immunofluorescence.
• Cell-based assays: Cytometry, enzymatic assays for AAV transduction efficiency, reporter assays for promoter activity, RNA/ASO knockdown studies, cell-line editing efficiency.
• Analytical assays: Vector purity, titer, capsid quantification, AAV production yield and quality.
• Support design and execution of experiments for potency, biodistribution, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Work closely with the Research team to troubleshoot and optimize assays, interpret results, and maintain high-quality data.
• Manage lab inventory, ordering, and equipment calibration in collaboration with the broader team.
• Help establish a culture of rigor, collaboration, and scientific curiosity.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Desire to work collaboratively as a member of multi-functional departments as well as make decisions collectively and independently
• Self-motivated with desire to succeed and reach high caliber milestones
• Detail-oriented and highly organized 
• Ability to work independently, roll-up your sleeves mentality and adaptable to start-up environments with competing deadlines and multiple deliverables 
• Must have the utmost integrity and understanding of confidentiality as positions require
• Professional demeanor, strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Solid verbal, written and communication abilities across mediums and audiences
• High emotional intelligence and competence with building relationships across all levels and functional areas internally and externally
• Comfortable in ambiguous situations and results focused 
• Prior experience with fast paced, early-stage, scaling organizations  
• Currently located in the San Francisco Bay Area

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience:
• 3–6 years of relevant hands-on experience, preferably in an early-stage biotech or translational academic lab.
• Proven skill in developing and running molecular and cell-based assays for genetic medicine programs (AAV, RNA, or ASO).
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture and core molecular biology techniques.
• Self-starter comfortable with autonomy and responsibility in a lean team setting.
• Strong attention to detail, record-keeping, and communication.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting drug discovery studies or potency assay development.
• Familiarity with AAV production, vector characterization, or RNA delivery systems.
• Comfort working across functions (research, analytical, operations) in a growing organization.

At Form Bio, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Form Bio believes that diversity is paramount to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.