--- title: 'Scientist, Neurodegeneration at Altos Labs' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/scientist-neurodegeneration-altos-labs-san-francisco-bay-area-ptan9vfe9dfh' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Scientist, Neurodegeneration at Altos Labs - **Company:** Altos Labs - **Location:** San Francisco Bay Area, CA - **Posted:** 2026-09-08 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/altoslabs/jobs/6179158004 ## 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 Join Altos Labs at the Bay Area Discovery Science center and play a pivotal role in our mission to reverse brain aging. We are seeking a driven neuroscientist with deep expertise in neurodegeneration to join our highly collaborative, fast-paced team. In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional experts to discover and validate optimal therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. If you are passionate about translating complex biology into transformative therapies, we want you on our team. ## Responsibilities - Lead the Science: Act as the scientific lead for a key segment of our neurodegeneration portfolio. You will shape critical research questions, design robust experiments, and drive studies through to actionable, interpretable conclusions. - Model Disease Biology: Design and execute in vivo studies using rodent models of neurodegeneration, strategically selecting models, timepoints, and endpoints tailored to specific biological questions and program stages. - Analyze Complex Tissue: Process and analyze both rodent and human brain tissue. This includes dissection, regional sampling, fixation, cryopreservation, sectioning, and comprehensive downstream characterization (molecular, biochemical, and histological). - Innovate Quantitative Readouts: Develop and apply precise quantitative readouts for pathology and disease biology, tracking markers such as protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, cell loss, and vascular integrity. - Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner closely with internal experts—including in vivo pharmacology, histology, molecular biology, computational, and program management teams—as well as external collaborators and CROs to seamlessly deliver on shared timelines. - Champion Scientific Rigor: Establish and promote the highest technical and cultural standards across our scientific functions. You will help embed foundational practices—such as experimental rigor, blinding, randomization, data provenance, and reproducibility—into our day-to-day operations. - Drive Strategic Decisions: Actively contribute to program strategy and high-level decision-making, providing critical input on go/no-go recommendations. We value transparent communication, so you will be expected to flag risks early and candidly. - Ensure Data Integrity: Maintain rigorous, traceable records and structured data capture, ensuring your findings can be easily reviewed, reproduced, and built upon by the wider team. - Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keep a close pulse on the latest neurodegeneration literature and proactively bring relevant external developments to bear on our internal research programs. ## Who You Are The level of the position will depend on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skill and Abilities Core Expertise & Credentials - Neurodegeneration Specialist: You hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (or a related field) backed by 1+ years of post-doctoral or industry research experience focused on neurodegeneration. - Disease Biology Deep-Dive: You bring a robust understanding of neurodegenerative disease biology, including a nuanced perspective on the strengths and limitations of the rodent models used to study it. - Proven Track Record: You have an established publication record in the field and are accustomed to presenting your findings at conferences or similar scientific venues. Technical & Experimental Capabilities - Hands-on Analyst: You have extensive, practical experience processing and analyzing both rodent and human brain tissue samples. - In Vivo & Imaging: You have practical experience with animal surgeries, behavior, and vascular biology, and are proficient in imaging and behavioral analysis techniques. - Therapeutic Fluency: You have experience working with therapeutic modalities relevant to the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as AAV-based approaches, ASOs, or small molecules. - Data-Driven Design: You possess strong quantitative and statistical judgment, enabling you to design appropriately powered studies, analyze complex data, and interpret results objectively without over-extrapolating. - In Vivo & Imaging: You have practical experience with animal surgeries, behavior, and vascular biology, and are proficient in imaging and behavioral analysis techniques. Scientific Mindset & Adaptability - Fiercely Independent & Rigorous: You are highly self-directed—capable of defining a problem, selecting the right approach, and driving it to a conclusion with minimal oversight. You practice rigorous critical thinking and are always willing to interrogate your own data or change your position when the evidence warrants it. - Thrive in Dynamic Environments: You are comfortable and composed in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment where priorities can shift, decisions carry real weight, and quality must be sustained under pressure. Leadership & Collaboration - Cross-Functional Collaborator: You excel at working across disciplines and possess the strong communication skills needed to present complex technical datasets clearly to broad, mixed audiences. - Standard Bearer: You are enthusiastic about defining, implementing, and championing technical and cultural standards (like experimental rigor and reproducibility) across our scientific functions. Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skill and Abilities - In Vivo & Imaging: You have practical experience with animal surgeries, behavior, and vascular biology, and are proficient in imaging and behavioral analysis techniques. - Omics Interest: You have some exposure to analyzing biological datasets and a strong desire to build deep expertise in transcriptomics, proteomics, or spatial approaches. - Technical Foundations: You possess basic skills in bioinformatics data processing or programming (e.g., Python or R) and are eager to apply these to large-scale data management. - Human Cohort Awareness: You are interested in expanding your knowledge of working with human post-mortem or biopsy samples and the unique challenges of cohort-level data. - Technique Expansion: You are motivated to learn advanced imaging techniques, spatial biology, or high-content quantitative histology to enhance your research. - Collaborative Teamwork: You demonstrate strong potential for growth and a commitment to working effectively within a high-performing, collaborative team environment. - Clear Communicator: You are a clear and effective communicator, capable of presenting technical information to your peers and cross-functional partners. The salary range for Redwood City: - Scientist I: - Scientist II: 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 - [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 - [Research Specialist / Scientist, Metabolic Phenotyping (In Vitro & In Vivo)](https://feeny.ai/job/research-specialist-scientist-metabolic-phenotyping-in-vitro-in-vivo-altos-labs-5t2sm6dhx8vq) — 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