About the Team:

Helaina is a team brought together by the belief that health and developmental outcomes of all infants can be improved through nutritional options closest to human milk. Our team is revolutionizing the infant nutrition space by developing a food product meant to uniquely support babies in their earliest stages. Helaina’s Immunology team is responsible for analyzing the immunological safety and efficacy profiles of our novel, innovative food ingredients.

Job Description

About the Team:

Helaina is a team brought together by the belief that health and developmental outcomes of all infants can be improved through nutritional options closest to human milk. Our team is revolutionizing the infant nutrition space by developing a food product meant to uniquely support babies in their earliest stages. Helaina’s Immunology team is responsible for analyzing the immunological safety and efficacy profiles of our novel, innovative food ingredients.

About the Job:

In this role, you will work to understand the biological mechanisms of infant formula ingredients. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, motivated self-starter with a strong sense of initiative. You will be responsible for contributing directly to Helaina’s company milestones by designing, performing, and troubleshooting experiments for the team’s objective of understanding the properties of infant nutrition ingredients. 

What You’ll Do:

• Cellular, and molecular assays including cell line (e.g. Caco-2, THP-1), primary cell culture, TEER measurement, fluorescent microscopy, ELISA, Western blot.
• Quantitative assessment of pro-inflammatory, regulatory, and anti-inflammatory levels of cytokines through in-vitro and ex-vivo cell assays.
• Fluorescent imaging of tight junctions and gut barrier integrity
• Work with Luminex bead based multiplex cytokine level evaluation assays and data analysis.
• Data analytics using software such as PRISM, JMP, and Luminex.
• Handling of ex-vivo samples in a BSL2 aseptic environment.
• Develop/perform simulated digestion modeling assays
• Develop/perform bioavailability modeling assays
• Generate detailed SOPs for in-vitro/ex-vivo assays.
• Troubleshoot and optimize equipment when necessary.
• Record and manage data in an electronic lab notebook.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, and scientific presentations.

About You:

• MS with 2+ years of industry experience in Cellular/Molecular Biology or PhD in Cellular/Molecular Biology or related discipline.
• Background knowledge of digestion and gut barrier integrity modeling.
• Skilled in mammalian cell culture and experience with in-vitro/ex-vivo functional assays.
• Strong background in epithelial cell biology.
• Experience with ADME studies and predictive models of ingredient absorption and bioavailability preferred.
• Energetic, creative, and personally motivated by the future of food and/or biological products.
• Effective communicator, both within a collaborative scientific team and in communicating science to non-technical audiences.
• Start-up or industry experience is a plus!

Compensation is market-competitive with a yearly cash base of $70k - $115k plus equity.