---
title: 'Research Specialist / Scientist, Metabolic Phenotyping (In Vitro & In Vivo) at Altos Labs'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-specialist-scientist-metabolic-phenotyping-in-vitro-in-vivo-altos-labs-5t2sm6dhx8vq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Research Specialist / Scientist, Metabolic Phenotyping (In Vitro & In Vivo) at Altos Labs

- **Company:** Altos Labs
- **Location:** San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-07-27
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/altoslabs/jobs/6123648004

## Job description

## Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

For more information, see our website at [altoslabs.com.](https://altoslabs.com/)

Our Value

Our Single Altos Value: Everyone Owns Achieving Our Inspiring Mission.

Diversity at Altos

Altos Labs has been named one of the Top 3 Biotech Companies and ranked for the second year on the Forbes 2026 Best Startups in America list.  At Altos, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.

## What You Will Contribute To Altos

You will join a discovery team investigating the role of metabolism in aging and cellular rejuvenation. You will independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret rigorous experiments across models that range from primary cell cultures to in vivo rodent systems, applying a diverse set of techniques that includes real-time measurements of cellular energetics, multi-omics sample generation, metabolic imaging, and whole-animal phenotyping. You will formulate hypotheses and take ownership of your experimental projects, drawing on guidance from senior colleagues to work through roadblocks. You will communicate findings clearly to both scientific and non-scientific colleagues, collaborate across the team, and keep the meticulous, well-organized electronic-laboratory-notebook records that make the team's data rigorous and reproducible.

## Key Responsibilities

- Design and execute in vivo rodent metabolic studies in collaboration with the team, including animal handling, dosing (intraperitoneal, intravenous, oral), metabolic phenotyping (glucose- and insulin-tolerance tests, CLAMS for metabolic monitoring), and endpoint tissue collection optimized for multi-omics, bioenergetic, and histological analysis.
- Perform immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry on cultured cells and metabolic tissues (e.g., liver, adipose, muscle), and operate fluorescence, confocal, or automated high-content imaging systems to visualize lipid droplets, mitochondrial morphology, and protein localization.
- Design and execute metabolic flux assays on the Agilent Seahorse XF analyzer, and prepare cellular and tissue extracts for downstream mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics and for genomics workflows (RNA/DNA isolation, quantitative PCR).
- Analyze and interpret bioenergetic, imaging, and phenotyping data (Wave, ImageJ/FIJI, GraphPad Prism), drawing accurate conclusions that guide the next round of experiments.
- Maintain primary metabolic cell cultures and develop, optimize, and scale the throughput of cell-based assays.
- Document all work with accurate, timely records in the electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), and coordinate sample tracking and submissions with internal teams and external contract research organizations (CROs).
- Communicate results clearly through written summaries and presentations, and contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations.
- Collaborate across the discovery team to align in vitro mechanism-of-action findings with in vivo efficacy readouts.

## Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

- Education and experience — one of the following:
- PhD route (Scientist I–II): PhD in molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related life-sciences discipline, with a research focus in metabolism, and typically 0–2 years of relevant experience post-PhD; or
- Non-PhD route (Research Specialist): Bachelor's degree in a related life-sciences discipline, with 8+ years of relevant hands-on industry research experience in metabolism.
- Hands-on experience across both in vitro and in vivo workflows, including direct experience designing and executing in vivo rodent studies (e.g., animal handling, dosing, metabolic phenotyping, and tissue collection), with a strong background in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol compliance.
- Experience preparing biological samples for downstream metabolomics, lipidomics, or genomics pipelines.
- Demonstrated experience with immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry staining and fluorescence, confocal, or high-content microscopy of cells or metabolic tissue sections.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize, document, and present data clearly and to maintain rigorous ELN records.
- Track record of working effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualificiations:

- In vivo rodent experience specifically in preclinical metabolic disease models (e.g., obesity, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis [MASH], or mitochondrial dysfunction).
- Hands-on experience setting up, running, and analyzing data from Agilent Seahorse XF instruments (or equivalent extracellular-flux/respirometry platforms).
- Experience with in vitro metabolic models such as hepatocytes, adipocytes, or myotubes, and with organoid or three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture.
- Familiarity with high-content screening (HCS) platforms and automated image-analysis workflows in Python or another scripting-based approach.
- Laboratory automation, flow cytometry (fluorescence-activated cell sorting, FACS), cell line engineering, and next-generation sequencing library preparation.
- Active ALAT/LAT (laboratory animal technician) certification.

The salary range for Redwood City, CA:

- Research Specialist: $129,500 - $166,000
- Scientist I, Biological Sciences: $134,700 - $172,700
- Scientist II, Biological Sciences: $147,600 - $189,200

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

## #LI-NN1

For UK applicants, before submitting your application:

- Please click here to read the Altos Labs EU and UK Applicant Privacy Notice ([bit.ly/eu_uk_privacy_notice](https://bit.ly/eu_uk_privacy_notice))
- This Privacy Notice is not a contract, express or implied and it does not set terms or conditions of employment.

## Equal Opportunity Employment

We value collaboration and scientific excellence.

We believe that a culture of belonging are foundational to scientific innovation and inquiry. At Altos Labs, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining an inclusive environment.

Altos Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Altos prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.

Note: Altos Labs will not ask you to download a messaging app for an interview or outlay your own money to get started as an employee. If this sounds like your interaction with people claiming to be with Altos, it is not legitimate and has nothing to do with Altos. Learn more about a common job scam at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-spot-avoid-online-job-scams-biron-clark/

## About Altos Labs

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Altos Labs is a biotechnology company pioneering cellular rejuvenation programming to reverse disease, injury, and disabilities by restoring cell health and resilience.
- **Entity Type**: Private (believed to be well-funded by high-profile investors including Jeff Bezos and Yuri Milner; no public funding rounds listed)
- **Headquarters**: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA (also major sites in San Diego, CA and Cambridge, UK)
- **Founded**: 2021 (publicly launched in January 2022)
- **Founders**: Hal Barron (CEO), Hans Bishop (President), Rick Klausner (Chief Scientific Advisor)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Biotechnology / Longevity & Cell Rejuvenation / Drug Discovery
- **Target customers**: B2B/Institutional (partners, academic collaborators); ultimate end-users are patients with age-related diseases
- **Mission statement**: “To restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.”

## Products & Services
Currently in the research and preclinical/early clinical stage. No marketed products yet. Major initiatives include:

- **[Cell Rejuvenation Programming Platform]**: Proprietary technology based on partial cellular reprogramming (building on Yamanaka factors and Belmonte lab discoveries) to reset epigenetic age and restore cell function.
- **[Institute of Computation]**: Developing multi-scale generative AI models to decode the “language of cell health” and accelerate discovery of rejuvenation-based therapies.
- **[Institute of Medicine]**: Translational arm focused on converting fundamental biology into potential breakthrough medicines for age-related diseases.
- **[Discovery Engine]**: Integrated platform combining experimental biology, high-quality internal data generation, and computational modeling to identify novel targets and therapies.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed; widely reported to have raised over **$3 billion** in initial financing (one of the largest biotech startup financings ever). Investors include Jeff Bezos, Yuri Milner, and others.
- **Key Metric**: **$3+ billion total funding** (reported launch round)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Jeff Bezos (via Bezos Expeditions), Yuri Milner (via DST Global), and other undisclosed high-net-worth individuals; partnerships with leading academic institutions including the Salk Institute and Cambridge University.
- **Growth Signals**: Rapidly scaling headcount (26 open roles listed on Greenhouse as of mid-2026); expansion of computational and AI teams; launched Institute of Computation; appointed Joan Mannick (M.D.) as Chief Medical Officer in 2025 to lead early clinical development.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Massive capital base**: Over $3 billion in funding provides long runway for high-risk, long-horizon science.
- **World-class scientific leadership**: CEO Hal Barron (ex-GSK, ex-Roche), President Hans Bishop (ex-Juno Therapeutics), Chief Scientific Advisor Rick Klausner, and founding scientist Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte (pioneer of partial reprogramming).
- **“Academic freedom meets industry focus” model**: Combines the freedom of academic inquiry with the discipline and resources of a biotech company.
- **AI-first approach**: Dedicated Institute of Computation with a focus on generative AI and foundational models for biology, differentiating from traditional drug discovery.
- **Multi-site global footprint**: Operations spanning US (Bay Area, San Diego) and UK (Cambridge) attract top talent from both sides of the Atlantic.

## Strategic Focus
- **Near-term**: Advancing first therapeutic programs into clinical trials; building out the Institute of Computation and AI models; scaling drug discovery and development capabilities.
- **Long-term**: Transform medicine by developing therapies that address the root cause of disease—cellular aging—rather than just symptoms.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven culture**: Focus on a single, ambitious goal—reversing disease through cell rejuvenation—unites the organization.
- **Unique work model**: Blends academic freedom (pursue deep questions, publish, collaborate openly) with industry urgency (focus on medicines, milestones, patient impact).
- **Computational focus**: Heavy investment in AI/ML (machine learning scientists, AI engineers, computational biology) makes it appealing for those interested in the intersection of tech and biology.
- **Work environment**: Collaborative, interdisciplinary, and global; values diverse perspectives. Described as “a unique and inspiring place to work” with “many ways to contribute to our mission.”
- **Currently hiring across multiple disciplines**: Discovery Science, Drug Development, Computation, Technology, and Operations—with roles in San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Cambridge, UK.
- **Perks/culture highlights**: Not explicitly detailed on careers page, but the emphasis on “freedom to collaborate broadly” and “big questions” suggests a high-autonomy, high-trust environment.

### Company Website & Careers
1. [altoslabs.com](https://www.altoslabs.com/) – Official company site (overview, science, about, careers)
2. [altoslabs.com/careers](https://www.altoslabs.com/careers) – Careers page (mission, culture, job listings)
3. [altoslabs.com/about](https://www.altoslabs.com/about) – About page (leadership, institutes, model)
4. [altoslabs.com/science](https://www.altoslabs.com/science) – Science page (founding science, partial reprogramming)

### Job Board
5. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/altoslabs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/altoslabs) – Greenhouse job board (26 open positions as of mid-2026)

## Other roles at Altos Labs

- [Scientist / Senior Scientist, Structural Cell Biology](https://feeny.ai/job/scientist-senior-scientist-structural-cell-biology-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-2as6grjx00j9) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Neuroscience Research Associate / Research Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/neuroscience-research-associate-research-specialist-altos-labs-san-francisco-r0jg5an2qvkn) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Scientist, Neurodegeneration](https://feeny.ai/job/scientist-neurodegeneration-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-area-ptan9vfe9dfh) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Senior Research Associate, Drug Discovery](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-research-associate-drug-discovery-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-area-es0k39mddn6n) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Director /  Senior Director, Machine Learning for Biology](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-machine-learning-for-biology-altos-labs-san-diego-tav9vfz1h2qf) — San Diego, CA / San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Scientist I, Disease Biology](https://feeny.ai/job/scientist-i-disease-biology-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-area-et5derm8tk55) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Research Specialist / Scientist, Assay Development](https://feeny.ai/job/research-specialist-scientist-assay-development-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-mh03x0h22xn9) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Scientist, In Vivo Biology](https://feeny.ai/job/scientist-in-vivo-biology-altos-labs-san-diego-knkjj1wwr991) — San Diego, CA
- [Business and Laboratory Operations Manager, Drug Discovery & Development Sciences](https://feeny.ai/job/business-and-laboratory-operations-manager-drug-discovery-development-sciences-ndphgkvmg07w) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- [Senior Counsel II / Corporate Counsel, Transactions](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-ii-corporate-counsel-transactions-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-z6yn7t54afpe) — San Francisco Bay Area, CA