Scientist - Ophthalmology (Contract)
📍 South San Francisco, CA
🏢 Onsite (Monday-Friday)
🕒 Start: ASAP | Duration: 12 months | Employment: W2

A fast-growing Ophthalmology research group is advancing multiple programs toward the clinic and is looking for a strong bench scientist to help drive one key program forward. In this role, you'll focus on validating therapeutic candidates using in vitro, cell-based systems and partnering cross-functionally to generate high-quality, decision-driving data.

What You'll Do

• Validate therapeutic candidates in in vitro, cell-based assay systems supporting an ophthalmology-focused program
• Culture and handle a variety of mammalian cell types, including complex and primary cells (retinal cells a plus)
• Design and execute cell-based experiments to evaluate candidate activity, mechanism, and cellular responses
• Run multiple assay modalities, including:
  • Western blotting
  • Protein extraction
  • RNA extraction
  • qPCR
  • Reporter cell assays
• Analyze results, interpret data, and communicate findings clearly to cross-functional partners
• Maintain clean, thorough documentation in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
• Operate with a high level of independence while staying highly communicative and transparent with the team

Must-Have Experience

• Strong mammalian cell culture and cell handling skills (including complex or primary cell systems)
• Solid biochemistry foundation and hands-on lab execution
• Experience with cell proliferation assays
• Hands-on experience with in vitro cell systems
• Independent proficiency running Westerns and qPCR
• Experience across multiple assay types (protein/RNA workflows and reporter assays)
• Strong data analysis skills and comfort drawing conclusions from results
• Consistent ELN documentation and strong experimental record-keeping
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work without heavy oversight

Preferred (Nice-to-Have)

• Ophthalmology or retinal biology experience
• Experience with biologics and/or antibody therapeutics
• Familiarity with WNT biology

Education

• Flexible: a strong skills-based profile is most important
• Great fit for someone with a few years of experience post-PhD, or a Master's with solid hands-on experience

Team & Culture Fit

• Transparent, proactive communicator who shares findings clearly and openly
• Comfortable working cross-functionally beyond their immediate team
• Highly organized, reliable, and confident owning bench execution end-to-end
• Thrives in a collaborative environment where speed, rigor, and accountability matter