Biocient, Inc · 5 hours ago
Research Scientist – Neurodegeneration & Retinal Biology
Torrance, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expBiocient, Inc is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for complex neurodegenerative and age-associated diseases. They are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to support their aging and retinal assay platform, focusing on mechanisms of aging and retinal degeneration while generating high-quality molecular, cellular, and imaging data to guide therapeutic discovery.
Biotechnology
No H1B
Responsibilities
Lead development, optimization, and validation of retinal and aging-related molecular/cellular assays to support multiple internal programs
Own retinal tissue workflows including eye dissection, retinal isolation, sectioning (cryostat/vibratome), staining, and quantitative degeneration scoring
Establish assay SOPs, QC standards, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and platform scalability
Integrate molecular and imaging readouts into cohesive datasets for aging and retinal disease mechanism studies
Conduct studies in accordance with approved protocols
Perform rodent handling, dosing, and tissue dissection for retinal degeneration and aging projects, including collection of eyes and aging brain regions as needed
Carry out assays in live or freshly isolated tissues (retina, optic nerve, CNS) to evaluate therapeutic response and aging biomarkers
Perform immunohistochemical staining, confocal microscopy, and image analysis with retina/aging endpoints as primary outcomes
Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data with strong quantitative rigor
Maintain accurate experimental records, metadata, and organized datasets
Collect, enter, and assist with analysis of multi-assay data streams supporting aging and retinal programs
Contribute to research reports, presentations, grant or investor materials, and manuscript preparation
Support mouse colony management relevant to retinal and aging studies (breeding coordination, genotyping oversight where needed)
Conduct literature searches, help synthesize findings, and inform experimental direction
Participate in team meetings, provide regular updates to the PI, and collaborate cross-functionally
Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment and complete all required safety training
Perform other research-related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, or related field
Minimum 1 year of applied research experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry
Strong background in molecular and cellular biology
Hands-on expertise with rodent models and tissue-based workflows, especially ocular/retinal tissue
Proficiency in immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, PCR/qPCR, and Western blotting
Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills
Experience with experimental design, data interpretation, and maintaining detailed laboratory records
Ability to troubleshoot and follow complex research protocols independently
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Commitment to lab safety practices and training requirements
Preferred
Direct experience with retinal degeneration, ocular disease models, or visual system neuroscience
Experience in aging biology, geroscience, or age-associated tissue changes in rodents
Track record of assay development/optimization, SOP writing, or platform building
Basic bioinformatics skills
Familiarity with AI-enabled approaches in biomedical research
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Paid parental leave
15 paid days off plus 12 paid holidays
5 paid sick days
Company
Biocient, Inc
Biocient is an early-stage start-up biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class therapies to target complex neurodegenerative diseases.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase