Scientist (Cell & Tissue Operations)
The Mission
Drug discovery has a translation problem: more than 95% of drugs that succeed in animal models fail in humans. We're building the alternative: human-first drug discovery, powered by organoids and AI, running on real human biology from the very first experiment.
Our platform is 87% concordant with clinical patient data - a vast improvement over the 3% translational success rate of animals. We’ve demonstrated the ability to model immunotoxicology, immunogen stimulation, and two autoimmune diseases with more on the way. Numerous pharma partners including 3 Fortune 500 companies are already using the platform. We've raised ~$30M from AIX Ventures, Marc Benioff, Jeff Dean, and Y Combinator. With the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 and the FDA's March 2026 validation framework, the regulatory tailwinds only continue to get stronger.
The opportunity ahead of the company is generational: build the first scaled engine for generating real human biological data, and use it to fundamentally change how medicines are discovered.
The role
Note to candidates: this describes a strong profile, not a checklist. If you don't match every point but believe you'd do this job well, please apply.
We are hiring a Scientist I to run the hands-on cell and tissue culture work that every Parallel Bio program depends on. You will process human tissue, build and maintain cell banks, run immunological assays, and turn what works at the bench into robust, documented processes.
This role is shared between Technical Operations and Science. You will split time between executing partner studies and strengthening the systems behind them: SOPs, cell inventory, and process consistency. It suits a scientist who likes the bench and has a high standard for technical accuracy, precision, and data quality.
Why join Parallel Bio
Human-relevant immunology: your work generates human immune data that shapes real drug development decisions
Early-team impact: the processes you build become how the company runs as it scales
Partner-facing science: work directly on studies for biopharma partners
Room to grow: scope expands as you take on ownership, toward Scientist II and process leadership
What you'll do
Tissue processing and cell culture
Process human lymphoid tissue and primary cells into single-cell suspensions and organoid cultures
Apply donor acceptance criteria and track donor metadata to manage donor-to-donor variability
Optimize and troubleshoot scientific protocols as needed in a data-driven manner
Execute partner study protocols on schedule under aseptic technique
Cell banking and cryopreservation
Cryopreserve, thaw, and recover primary human cells with consistent viability and yield
Execute cell banking runs with full chain of custody from donor to vial
Maintain the LN2 inventory: storage, sample tracking, and reconciliation
Assays and immune readouts
Independently execute flow cytometry for immunophenotyping and study endpoint measurements
Independently execute un functional assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, ELISpot, cytotoxicity), plus imaging or qPCR as programs require
Analyze data (FlowJo, Prism, or equivalent) and contribute to study summaries for partners. Clearly communicate data and findings to stakeholders.
Process, documentation, and lab operations
Draft and revise SOPs, and help train new team members on them
Support the move from research-grade documentation toward GLP-like rigor
Maintain core equipment and reagent inventory, and support EH&S programs
What you'll bring
PhD in immunology, cell biology, bioengineering, or a related field with 0–2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience; an MS with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or a BS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience
Hands-on proficiency in primary human cell or tissue culture under strict aseptic technique
Hands-on proficiency in cryopreservation: freezing, thawing, and tracking cell stocks
Hands-on proficiency in flow cytometry, plus at least one other immune assay method (e.g., ELISA, MSD, ELISpot, Luminex)
Strong documentation habits grounded in data integrity (ALCOA+) principles: detailed electronic notebook entries, clear protocols, and records someone else can follow
Collaboration across two teams and shifting between study execution and process work
High standards for data quality and data integrity, and ability to apply scientific rigor to day-to-day operations
Strong written and verbal skills, critical thinking and rational experimental design capabilities, and clear data presentation skills.
Nice to have
Secondary lymphoid organ biology, organoid, or 3D culture experience
Formal cell banking (MCB/WCB) with release testing such as sterility, mycoplasma, and identity
Spectral or high-parameter flow cytometry (15+ colors)
iPSC culture or stem cell-derived immune models
Plate-based, higher-throughput workflows or liquid handling automation
SOP authoring in a GLP- or GMP-aware environment
What success looks like
By 6 months: Independently running tissue processing, banking, and core assays for partner studies
By 12 months: Trusted to run the cell bank and inventory day to day, with several SOPs you drafted in active use
Lab safety and physical requirements
Candidates must be able to meet the following, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Ability to wear a tight-fitting respirator (e.g., N95 or half-face air-purifying respirator) when tasks require it. This includes medical clearance and an annual fit test.
Work with human-derived tissue and cells at BSL-2, including bloodborne pathogen training; Hepatitis B vaccination is offered
Ability to stand at the bench or biosafety cabinet for extended periods, and lift up to 25 lb (e.g., media cases and supplies)
Location and details
Location: Brisbane, CA; fully onsite, with occasional weekend work for tissue arrivals and culture maintenance
Compensation: $125k–140k USD base salary, plus equity
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k); paid time off
Parallel Bio is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
