Associate Scientist - Bioassays & Sample Preparation | Syntheia Labs

Associate Scientist - Bioassays & Sample Preparation

Location: Ann Arbor (On-site)
Position Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Equity Options + Full Benefits

About the Company

We are a venture-backed deep tech biotechnology company building next-generation 3D human tissue platforms to accelerate pharmaceutical discovery and translational research. By combining proprietary tissue engineering architectures with high-throughput bioassays, we deliver commercial-grade data to global pharmaceutical partners. We are seeking our first core lab hire: a dedicated, throughput-minded scientist to lead routine 3D tissue production, molecular processing, and downstream assay execution.

Position Summary

As an Associate Scientist, your primary responsibility will be the day-to-day biomanufacturing of proprietary 3D human tissue models and processing those constructs for downstream genomics and sequencing analysis. You will take ownership of routine tissue assembly, enzymatic dissociation into single-cell suspensions, and nucleic acid extractions (RNA/DNA), while maintaining strict batch-to-batch consistency.

This role is ideal for a production-driven researcher with a background in an industry biotech setting or institutional core facility who thrives on execution, high data integrity, and protocol discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• 3D Tissue Assembly & Processing: Perform routine 3D human cell culture maintenance and tissue construct assembly following internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Sample Preparation for Downstream Analysis: Dissociate dense 3D tissue structures into pristine single-cell suspensions; perform high-purity, high-yield RNA and DNA extractions for external genomic sequencing cores.
• Core Logistics & Outsourcing: Manage sample quality control, logging, packaging, and shipping handoffs to partner core facilities and sequencing vendors.
• Assay Execution: Execute high-throughput functional bioassays, including live/dead fluorescence staining, plate-reader kinetic assays, and quantitative biomarker readouts.
• Pharma-Adjacent Operations: Assist in adapting assay workflows to meet partner specifications, maintaining clean, reproducible datasets and detailed laboratory documentation.
• Lab Maintenance: Support inventory tracking, reagent prep, and equipment maintenance to maintain an efficient, commercial-grade laboratory environment.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 2 to 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in an industry biotech setting, CRO, or institutional core facility.
  
  

Core Technical Skills:

• Expert aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in tissue dissociation, cell isolation, and enzymatic digests.
• Hands-on experience with molecular extraction protocols (RNA/DNA isolation, nucleic acid QC metrics like RIN/Nanodrop/Qubit).
•  Experience running microplate-based assays (absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence), qPCR, cryosectioning, western blot.
  
  

Soft Skills & Mindset:

• Rigorous attention to detail and commitment to protocol reproducibility.
•  Ability to execute high-throughput batch operations without needing to constantly redesign established workflows.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
  
  

Preferred:

• Direct experience handling 3D tissue models, hydrogels, or organoid cultures (we will train you on our proprietary assembly systems).
•  Exposure to cryosectioning, microtomy, or immunofluorescence imaging.
  
  

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience plus an early-employee equity options package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Direct mentorship from technical founders and the opportunity to help build a deep-tech tissue engineering company from the ground up.
  
  

How to Apply:

Please submit your Resume/CV along with a brief cover letter highlighting your specific experience with cell culture, sample extractions, or core lab operations to Merlinda at merlinda@syntheiabio.com.