What are the responsibilities and job description for the PhD Candidate, Tissue Reprogramming position at Retro?
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to broadly improve tissue function by targeting mechanisms of aging with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.
We are hiring a new member of the Tissue Reprogramming team who is highly motivated to provide direct support to our osteoarthritis and aging research programs while you learn, and develop your scientific capabilities in the Retro PhD program. In this role, you will enable the team to move faster and iterate more quickly by increasing the capacity for hands-on work in the lab. You’ll have the opportunity to learn rapidly, contribute meaningfully, and grow within a highly collaborative and mission-driven team. This role is for a team-first individual who is motivated by shared scientific progress and is eager to contribute wherever the work is most needed.
Learn more about the Retro PhD program → Learn more
\nYou are intellectually curious and deeply motivated to help advance research on the biology of aging. You embody a proactive, resourceful attitude and perform hands-on experimental work with exquisite attention to detail. You operate with a high-degree of flexibility and adaptability that will enable you to support programs in preclinical and proof of concept stages. You communicate openly and thoughtfully, and approach challenges with humility, integrity, and a strong sense of ownership. You’re eager to spend your time deeply engaged in hands-on science and to build the foundation for your future career as a scientist.
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Perform therapeutic vector administration, rodent necropsy, tissue harvesting, tissue digestion for primary cell isolation, histology (including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence), and imaging workflows in a cross-functional team setting.
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Execute cell culture, flow cytometry, and live animal work as the team needs.
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Maintain timely, accurate experimental records and analyze biological datasets.
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Support optimization and execution of experimental workflows and SOPs with strong attention to detail.
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Collaborate and communicate effectively across biology, computation, automation and operations teams.
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Contribute proactively to improving workflows, increasing efficiency, and solving experimental challenges.
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Present experimental updates and contribute to scientific discussions.
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Contribute to experiments that help shape Retro’s approach to in vivo gene therapy.
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MS degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Immunology, or related discipline.
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Prior hands-on laboratory experience, including rodent necropsy, tissue harvesting and primary cell isolation, cell culture, flow cytometry, histology and imaging.
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Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
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Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, strong motivation to grow, and a proactive, can-do attitude.
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An ownership mentality and an eagerness to contribute wherever needed, continuously improving workflows and execution.
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A highly collaborative nature and low-ego with excellent communication skills and high integrity.
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Experience with epigenetic reprogramming, regenerative biology, or aging/longevity research, particularly in the fields of musculoskeletal, osteoarthritis, inflammatory, or degenerative diseases.
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Experience with mouse or rat surgeries.
We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.