Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Spatial Omics Technology Development (Fixed-Term Contract)

Responsibilities

• Design and execute system testing and validation plans for the current custom in-house spatial imaging platform.
• Work directly with external vendors to troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues.
• Collaborate with the spatial omics project lead and internal partners to optimize spatial multiomic chemistry and sample-prep workflows for human stem-cell-derived brain organoids, adapting protocols validated in mouse tissue.
• Execute end-to-end wet lab spatial perturb-seq workflows.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to analyze imaging QC data and drive iterative assay development and decision-making.
• Track progress against key milestones and report on progress in internal meetings. Collaborate to move projects from proof-of-concept through development and screens.

About the position

We are looking for an outstanding scientist / senior scientist for a fixed term of 18 months to join our Multi-Omic Technology Center focusing on imaging-based spatial technology development for the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative. You will work closely with the spatial technology lead and collaborators across Arc tech centers and innovation investigators, to stabilize a custom imaging platform, adapt homebrew chemistry to arrayed human organoids, and help move our in-house spatial perturb-seq technology from proof-of-concept to a screen-ready platform for large scale studies.

The ideal candidate has a passion for developing technologies and robust systems and has a track record in spatial publications or product development. The role will split between system characterization/improvement and spatial multiomic (mRNA + protein + sgRNA) chemistry/workflow optimization/ execution. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated scientist interested in the intersection of academic research and biotech system/product development. This 18-month fixed-term position is based onsite 5 days a week in Palo Alto. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About you

• Curious, adaptable learner: You track state-of-the-art spatial technologies, exercise sound judgment adopting new methods, and pivot readily as priorities shift.
• Natural troubleshooter: You enjoy diagnosing hardware, chemistry, and software issues on an early-stage custom platform, staying calm and methodical under pressure.
• High-quality finisher: You find creative solutions and follow through with reproducible, high-quality results.
• Systems thinker and process optimizer: You design for scale, building reliable technology for real-world biology while balancing curiosity with rigor.
• Collaborative team player: You take initiative to contribute and support others, treating science as a team effort.

Requirements

PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genomics, bioengineering, or a related field, with 2-5+ years of experience in academia or the biotechnology industry.

Extensive experience in spatial omics technology and/or product development.

Hands-on experience with custom imaging and/or fluidic systems, including instrument troubleshooting.

Hands-on experience with tissue or organoid sample prep and in situ imaging-based assays (e.g., HCR, MERFISH, seqFISH, RCA, in situ sequencing).

Hands-on experience with tissue microarray or low-input histology is a plus.

Experience with image processing or spatial data analysis is a plus.

Background in neuroscience, stem cell biology, or immunology is a plus.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, early-stage technology development environment with substantial hands-on troubleshooting.

Strong collaboration and communication skills across multiple teams.

Strong project management and documentation skills.

The base salary range for this position is $128,500 to $182,500. These amounts reflect the range of base salary that the Institute reasonably would expect to pay a new hire or internal candidate for this position. The actual base compensation paid to any individual for this position may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and whether the compensation is internally equitable, and does not include bonuses, commissions, differential pay, other forms of compensation, or benefits.