Foresite Labs

(StealthCo) Scientist: Biology and Cell Pharmacology at Foresite Labs (Boston, MA)

Foresite Labs· Boston, MA·

Job description

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually agile Scientist to join our stealth-mode biotech company and contribute to programs focused on hematopoietic cell biology. This laboratory-based role will be responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting in vitro experiments that generate actionable insights and support scientific decision-making.

The successful candidate will be mechanistically minded, able to connect experimental observations to underlying biology, build novel reproducible assays, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

The position is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the successful development of new drugs for patients within an early-stage therapeutics company backed by highly regarded investors.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead efforts to develop a novel therapeutic for the treatment of a hematologic disease with unmet medical need
  • Develop, optimize, and perform cell-based assays to evaluate the impact of compounds on:
  • Erythroid differentiation (e.g., flow cytometry markers,morphology)
  • Cell health (e.g., viability)
  • Protein-level readouts (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, high content imaging, Western blot)
  • RNA-level outcomes (e.g., qPCR)
  • Culture and differentiate multiple cell lines using established and custom protocols.
  • Collaborate with scientists, mentor and train associates in a small biotech startup environment.
  • Translate and develop selected assays to support in vivo pharmacology studies.
  • Maintain detailed laboratory records, perform data analysis, and present findings in team meetings.
  • Ensure compliance with all lab safety, quality, and recordkeeping standards.
  • Oversee research activities with external research organizations (CROs) as needed

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 0-2 years of industry experience preferred
  • BS or MS in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant industry research experience will be considered
  • Proven tissue culture experience with human cell lines and primary human cell culture—ideally CD34+ hematopoietic or other stem/progenitor cells. Familiarity with erythroid differentiation assays and hematopoietic biology is a plus.
  • Molecular biology expertise including DNA and RNA purification and practical expertise with downstream nucleic acid-based (e.g., qPCR, and RNA-seq) and protein-based assays (e.g. flow cytometry, ELISA, and Western blotting)
  • Demonstrated experience in building novel cell-based assays is a strong plus.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a track record of learning new techniques and scientific concepts quickly.
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional teamwork and clear documentation.

What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • A collaborative, small-team environment with growth opportunities
  • The opportunity to contribute to innovative drug discovery efforts and join an early-stage biotechnology company backed by highly regarded investors

Location: Cambridge, MA

Why work at Foresite Labs

  • Culture highlights: Values include “Truth over progression” (data-driven decisions), “Take good risks” (celebrate informed risk-taking), and “Single accountable person” (clear ownership). Emphasis on collaboration and respect.
  • Remote/hybrid/office policy: Flexible work environment; headquarters in San Francisco and Boston.
  • Notable perks: Competitive salaries, excellent benefits, opportunity to learn from top thinkers across multiple disciplines (scientists, engineers, operators). Employees are encouraged to grow even if they eventually move to a portfolio company.
  • Engineering culture: Hands-on work building AI platforms for drug discovery; roles span bioinformatics, data engineering, machine learning, and automation.
  • Reviews: 4.2/5 on LinkedIn (8 reviews); compensation rated 4.3, culture 3.8, career 4.1.

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