Research Technician (tissue processing and cell culture)

Job Description

Job Description

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We're building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a new member of the HSC team who will execute tissue and sample processing. You'll be the reliable engine that keeps the samples moving. Most of your time will focus on processing tissue samples and working hand-in-hand with our in vivo team to anticipate and coordinate organized, time-sensitive workflows. Over time, under the guidance of another HSC member, you'll grow into the owner of the tissue-processing workflow. As the program progresses, there will also be an opportunity for you to learn cell therapy manufacturing.

About you:

You're reliable and organized and skilled at hands-on, time-sensitive lab work. You're comfortable with mouse tissues and primary samples, and you're meticulous about labeling, timing, and records. You're collaborative and easy-going; you communicate proactively, and you bring a positive attitude to a fast-moving environment. You like being the person a team can count on to be consistent and you also understand that routines can always be improved.

What you'll do in this role:

• Own execution of day-to-day isolation of immune cells from animal tissues — blood, bones, and spleen — giving you a direct view into engraftment results.

• Coordinate closely with the in vivo team so material for preclinical studies are handled promptly and correctly.

• Support media preparation, media changes, and cell culture maintenance for iPSC/iHSC differentiation workflows, including weekend coverage as part of a team rotation.

• Assist with sample prep and handoff for downstream assays, including flow cytometry.

• Help store and organize large datasets from readouts, coordinating with the compbio team.

• Maintain accurate sample labels, culture logs, inventory, and reagent tracking.

• Contribute to SOPs and process improvements as you take ownership of the workflow.

• Help keep a clean, organized cell-culture work area.

You might thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience working in a lab environment in an academic or industry setting.

• Are comfortable working with mouse tissues.

• Have basic mammalian cell culture experience.

• Are highly organized and reliable, with high attention to detail.

• Can execute repetitive, schedule-sensitive workflows consistently and carefully.

• Follow SOPs and checklists while flagging issues and ideas quickly.

Bonus if you have experience:

• Processing primary samples - blood, bone marrow, spleen, or similar.

• Culturing iPSC and/or primary HSC cells.

• Analyzing cell composition using flow cytometry, including operation of a CytoFLEX

• Performing antibody staining and preparing immune or hematopoietic samples for flow cytometry; experience developing or optimizing staining panels is a plus.

• Managing and organizing large sample datasets (750+ samples) ensuring sample traceability.

At Retro, we don't use titles. New hires join as a "Member of X Team." The expectations for this role are generally aligned to the level of an early-career Research Technician.

Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family

• 401(k) plan with 4% matching

• Unlimited time off and 10 company holidays per year

• Annual learning & development stipend

• Free lunch and snacks

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.