Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives.  Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

The Cellular Models and Assay Technologies (CMAT) group is looking for a motivated and experienced individual to join our team. The ideal candidate should be able to implement biologically-relevant cellular models to validate experimental pathways and targets identified from multi-omics datasets. In addition, the candidate should be able to adapt reporter cell assays at a medium-throughput scale in order to test for perturbations. We are looking for a person that is intellectually nimble and well versed in cellular signaling, biochemistry and cell biology techniques, that can work independently and utilize cutting-edge technologies, and who enjoys and thrives in collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing concurrent projects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and thrive in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities:

• Apply molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques to test hypotheses and validate targets and pathways of interest
• Validate custom-built and commercially-available reporter cell assays for medium-throughput screens
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and resilience to overcome experimental challenges and optimize protocols
• Process, quantify, analyze and interpret experimental data rigorously in order to make effective decisions
• Collaborate effectively with team members and communicate findings clearly in both written and oral formats

Position Requirements:

• BS/MS in Cell Biology and Biochemistry, or related field, and 4+ or 2+ years (BS or MS respectively) working in industry in a research or drug development setting, ideally in the assay development space
• Ability to execute plate- and imaging-based experiments with a diversity of readouts, i.e. luminescence, fluorescence, TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, fluorescence polarization, FRET, bimolecular fluorescence/luminescence complementation, fluorescence live-cell imaging, immunofluorescence, ELISA, MSD
• Experienced working with a variety of cell models, including primary cells, stem cells, ex-vivo and 3D culture systems
• Familiarity with cell differentiation protocols
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal to effectively convey research findings and next steps
• A proactive, can-do mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Must be willing to work onsite five days a week

Nice To Have:

• Proficiency in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and validation
• Quantitative data and image analysis skills, i.e. with Python, R, PRISM and FIJI/ImageJ
• Experience working with peptides in cellular assays

The estimated base salary range for this role is $119,000 - $130,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.