AcuraStem is a patient-based biotechnology company pioneering the development of treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and additional neurodegenerative diseases. We are a purpose-driven company on a mission to get our promising treatments into patients' hands as quickly as possible.

AcuraStem’s best-in-class disease modeling platform, iNeuroRx®, is the gold standard for discovering novel, effective, and broadly-acting treatments. The AcuraStem team’s extensive expertise in ASO technology is accelerating the advancement of treatments to the clinic.

At AcuraStem, we know that empowered and supported colleagues strengthen our commitment and significantly enhance our collective mission. We're dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, inclusion, and mutual respect. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel, we can achieve exceptional outcomes, together.

Position Overview:

The Scientist I and II will work both independently and collaboratively with AcuraStem leadership and scientific teams. This role is responsible for developing and optimizing in vitro and in vivo assays to drive therapeutic discovery and development. The successful candidate will contribute to grant proposals, manuscript preparation, presentations and study reports.

We seek a team player who is persistent, detail-oriented, and highly organized. The ideal candidate will communicate experimental results clearly, provide regular project updates to senior leadership, and mentor research associates and interns. Experience with human iPSC-derived 2D and 3D neuronal cultures and CNS animal models is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiate and investigate novel experimental approaches to address a wide range of complex scientific problems using current scientific theory and technique literature.
• Design, plan, and independently execute scientific projects as defined by management.
• Analyze, interpret, and act on experimental data using established practices and theoretical knowledge.
• Apply relevant information, technology, and resources to solve complex team problems and achieve objectives.
• Interpret and communicate the results of complex experiments.
• Prepare and present comprehensive technical reports and formal presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Mentor and train research associates to uphold company performance standards.

Minimum Skills and Experience

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, stem cell biology, developmental biology, or molecular biology.
• Scientist I: 0–2 years post-doc experience, or 10+ years post-M.S., or 12+ years post-B.S
• Scientist II: Ph.D. with 2+ years post-doc, OR 0–2 years industry experience, including supervisory or matrixed team management
• Proven experience in initiating, designing, executing, and interpreting complex experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and pursue novel research directions
• Technical proficiency in:
  • Experience with human iPSC culture and complex differentiation protocol (2D and 3D cultures, co-culture with multiple cell types)
  • Proficient Lenti/Retrovirus production, cell transduction and transfection
  • Skilled in RNA expression analysis (qPCR, ddPCR, RNAseq, snRNA-seq)
  • Experienced with protein analysis (western blot, ELISA, co-IP)
  • Proficient in Immunostaining and confocal microscopy

Highly Preferred Experience:

• Broad neuroscience expertise; experience with ALS, FTD, or oligonucleotide therapies strongly preferred.
• Experience with patch-clamping, MEA, calcium imaging, optogenetics
• In vivo rodent work: familiarity with ICV/IT injection, perfusion, necropsy, tissue processing
• Experience in a matrixed, small company, or start-up environment preferred.

Compensation/Benefits:

The salary range for these positions are listed below with actual compensation determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and other role-specific requirements.

AcuraStem offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package tailored to attract top talent. All regularstatus employees receive compensation, performance-based bonuses, equity, and extensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. AcuraStem also provides paid time off, annual company holidays, sick time, 401K matching, and bi-weekly lunch for onsite staff.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Recruitment Practices at AcuraStem:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. AcuraStem is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion throughout the hiring process. Employment decisions are made based on relevant qualifications, experience, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

AcuraStem’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to all areas of employment, including hiring, compensation, performance evaluations, promotions, training, and career development. We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination or harassment.

For staffing inquiries, AcuraStem’s Human Resources team manages all recruitment activities directly. We ask that external recruiters avoid contacting hiring managers or submitting candidates without prior authorization, as unsolicited resumes will not establish any contractual relationship with AcuraStem.