Conception

Senior Principal Scientist, Cell Fate Engineer

Conception

full-time

Posted on:

Origin:  • 🇺🇸 United States • California

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Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Shape and execute the company’s RNA and TF-based strategy to accelerate iPSC differentiation into germline fates.
  • Start hands-on in the lab and lead a small team, quickly taking on direct reports and mentoring scientists and research associates.
  • Design and lead transcription factor and gene perturbation projects, emphasizing RNA-based, non-integrative strategies.
  • Develop a company strategy for applying a clinically viable gene perturbation approach to speed up differentiation across multiple pipeline areas.
  • Drive innovation in non-integrative gene expression systems (mRNA, circRNA, CRISPRa/dCas9) and adapt these technologies to high-throughput screens.
  • Develop and apply high-throughput pooled TF/gene screening approaches (e.g., TFome, ORF libraries).
  • Integrate machine learning–guided or computational pipelines (e.g., ATAC-seq, DNase-seq, RNA-seq–driven predictions) with experimental design.
  • Operate with high ownership and autonomy, delivering rigorous results quickly to impact the company’s mission.

Requirements

  • PhD in Synthetic Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, RNA Biology, or related field.
  • Strong publication record demonstrating impact in cell fate engineering, stem cell or developmental biology, transcription factor biology, or RNA biology.
  • Hands-on expertise with transcription factor–guided differentiation and gene perturbation approaches.
  • Experience designing and executing high-throughput genetic, ideally RNA-based screens.
  • Expertise with non-integrative gene modulation tools (mRNA, circRNA, dCAS/CRISPRa systems).
  • Familiarity with computational and/or machine learning approaches for TF or target discovery (via direct work or collaborations).
  • Demonstrated leadership in academia (e.g., leading large collaborations) or biotech (e.g., managing small teams).
  • Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership startup environment.
  • Preferred: Experience with pooled ORF/TFome libraries, combinatorial TF perturbation, or barcoded screening workflows.
  • Preferred: Experience integrating chromatin accessibility data (ATAC-seq, DNase-seq) or transcriptomics into TF discovery.
  • Preferred: Prior management of small teams in academia or industry.