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Conception · 3 weeks ago

Senior Scientist, NHP Group Leader

Berkeley, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Conception is pioneering the future of reproductive biology by generating functional human eggs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). They are seeking an exceptionally strong, hands-on senior scientist to own the vision and execution of their NHP stem cell program, leading a small team while being actively involved in the laboratory work.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical

Responsibilities

Own the roadmap and experimental strategy for the NHP stem cell program, with clear milestones and readouts

Develop a proof-of-concept, start-to-finish protocol from an iPSC starting point, with the eventual goal of enabling preclinical safety data supporting healthy live birth outcomes

Drive differentiation into germline and ovarian somatic cell types, including troubleshooting, optimization, and repeatability improvements

Lead day-to-day execution while mentoring and developing scientists, setting expectations for rigor, documentation, and pace

Work closely with IVG and preclinical teams to coordinate experimental priorities and timelines

Analyze and interpret data and communicate progress clearly, including sequencing-based datasets where relevant

Build strong documentation habits, tracking systems, and SOPs that make work reliable and transferable across people and time

Qualification

PhD in Stem Cell BiologyIPSC culture expertiseDifferentiation protocol optimizationData analysisInterpretationComfort with sequencing datasetsMentoringLeadershipOrganizational skillsWork ethic

Required

PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Reproductive Biology, or a related field, plus postdoctoral training or equivalent industry experience

Deep hands-on expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture (iPSC required)

Strong experience optimizing differentiation protocols and improving reproducibility and outcomes over time

Independent at the project level, able to design, execute, and interpret complex experiments with clear, well-designed readouts

Strong troubleshooting instincts and ability to drive logical next steps based on data

Experience mentoring or leading others, with the ability to set a high bar for rigor, documentation, and quality

Comfort interpreting and discussing sequencing datasets (SmartSeq2, single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, EM-seq, or similar)

Exceptionally organized, strong record keeping, and attention to detail

Strong work ethic and team-first mindset. Willing to do hands-on work, including routine and repetitive tasks, and step in when needed

Able to thrive in a high-intensity, fast-paced, flexible startup environment