Research Associate
About the job
- A Master of Science in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioengineering, or a related field is required.
- Strong preference for aseptic human pluripotent stem cell culture (iPSC or ESC); otherwise, at least one year of tissue culture experience with excellent aseptic technique is required.
- Hands-on experience with standard molecular and cellular assays, including flow cytometry with panel design and independent analysis, quantitative or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction ((q)PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is required.
- Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks or laboratory information systems is essential for sample traceability.
- Excellent command of English is required; German is a plus.
- Derive induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from donor blood, from cell isolation through colony picking, clonal expansion, and cryopreservation.
- Interpret cell line quality control data and determine passed or failed samples using internationally recognized acceptance criteria.
- Understand and reduce sources of variation that affect iPSC-generation success and quality as the biobank expands.
- Maintain iPSC and primary cultures to a consistent standard.
- Differentiate iPSCs towards immune organoids using in-house protocols.
- Run iterative optimization cycles by changing conditions, measuring effects, and retaining effective conditions.
- Improve organoid longevity, reproducibility, and functional performance against the intended phenotype.
- Design, validate, and run readouts that demonstrate organoid functionality, including flow cytometry panels, (q)PCR, immunofluorescence and imaging, ELISA, and Luminex.
- Prepare samples for external sequencing, including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and whole-exome sequencing, and manage submissions and turnaround with providers.
- Perform routine tasks such as equipment maintenance to ensure the laboratory runs smoothly.
- Interpret personal data, including flow analysis, and present conclusions rather than raw data alone.
- Document work in the electronic lab notebook and write and maintain Work Instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as processes change.
- Work with the US team on platform comparison and share expertise with colleagues as the team grows.
- Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues and junior researchers, present findings in internal meetings, and challenge conclusions, including the organization's conclusions.
- Flag when data does not support a conclusion and report ambiguous results with the same care as clear results.
- Work weekends on a rotating basis to maintain cell cultures and ensure experimental continuity.
- Experience with reprogramming, clonal derivation, karyotyping or genotyping, or cryopreservation at scale is advantageous.
- Experience in 3D culture, organoid, or spheroid work is advantageous.
- Immunology knowledge, particularly lymphocyte biology, is a strong plus.
- Experience preparing samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS) is welcome.
- German language ability is a plus.
About the company
Parallel Biosystems provides a drug discovery platform that uses immune organoids, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics to model human diseases and develop immunotherapies. It offers services to pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and research institutions, charging service fees, licensing, and milestone payments. The platform works by growing miniaturized human immune organoids in the lab, applying AI to analyze results and guide experiments, and using robotics to automate workflows, enabling faster, cheaper, and more accurate drug discovery than traditional methods. What sets Parallel Biosystems apart is its combination of human-relevant organoid models with AI analytics and automated lab systems, aiming to produce therapies that work across diverse populations. The company’s goal is to accelerate the development of safer and more effective drugs, speeding therapies from research to patients and expanding options for cancer, autoimmune, and age-related diseases.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$25.4M
Headquarters
Brisbane, California
Founded
2020
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 16, 2026 Bay Area consolidation strengthens hiring and execution speed.
- World Economic Forum named Parallel Bio a 2026 Technology Pioneer, boosting credibility.
- In-house drug development started February 2026, creating higher-upside proprietary programs.
What critics are saying
- Parallel Bio raised only $21 million Series A on June 12, 2025; runway tight.
- Organoid workflows face entrenched competition from CN Bio, Mimetas, and Isomorphic Labs.
- If FDA ignores organoid evidence, pharmaceutical customers stay experimental and Parallel Bio's platform stalls.
What makes Parallel Biosystems unique
- Parallel Bio unites immune organoids, robotics, and AI for human biology modeling.
- June 16, 2026 headquarters consolidation merges biology and computation in Brisbane, speeding iteration.
- Eight pharma partners, including three Fortune 500s, tested 50-plus drugs and immunotherapies.
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Benefits
- Flexible Work Hours