Research Technician – Reproductive Biology
In-Person, San Francisco / South San Francisco
Full Time | $70,000 / year | Company Size: < 20 employees
Vitra Labs is a venture-backed cell therapy company focused on developing methods to mature human oocytes ex vivo. Our hybrid computational / cell engineering platform allows us to reconstruct the developmental trajectory of oocytes in silico and screen maturation cues in vitro. This technology has the potential to eliminate hormone stimulation prior to oocyte retrieval and produce high-quality, mature oocytes that are ready for IVF; offering unprecedented possibilities to couples struggling with infertility and increasing access to fertility care. Apply to join a collaborative and mission-driven team conducting cutting-edge research to advance women’s health. We offer opportunities for skill development, career growth, and competitive compensation and benefits.
Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in reproductive biology, with a strong background in working with animal models and cell cultures. Attention to detail and the ability to perform experiments reproducibly are essential. This role will be critical in supporting our research efforts, including maintaining mouse colonies, isolating reproductive tissues, managing cell cultures, assisting with imaging, and supporting general lab operations.
Your Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (e.g., Cell Biology, Developmental Biology)
- At least 1 year experience with mouse handling, maintenance of mouse colony & genotyping
- At least 1 year experience dissecting and processing mouse/human tissues
- Basic understanding of molecular biology (calculations and techniques involved in preparing culture media, growing cell cultures, PCR, flow cytometry)
- Familiarity with cell culture techniques and microscopy (brightfield and fluorescence)
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow protocols accurately and reproducibly
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
- Valid driver’s license (for travel to and from mouse facility)
Key Responsibilities:
· Maintain flexibility to work a Wednesday–Sunday or Saturday–Wednesday schedule, as needed
· Maintain and manage a mouse colony, including breeding and genotyping
· Isolate specified cells and tissues from mice
· Perform brightfield and fluorescence imaging
· Freeze cells and tissues using vitrification and slow freezing cryopreservation techniques (e.g., freezing straws)
· Support general lab operations and assist in experimental setup and execution
· Stay current with scientific advancements in reproductive biology and tissue engineering
Preferred Experience
· Background in ovarian biology, hormone signaling, or embryology
· Experience with cryopreservation techniques, including the use of freezing straws
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief cover letter detailing your expertise in the aforementioned focus areas. Please apply through LinkedIn or Trinet (https://app.trinethire.com/companies/336735-vitra-labs-inc/jobs/110984-research-technician).
