Conception · 2 months ago
iPSC Core Group Leader
Berkeley
Full-time
Onsite
Senior LevelConception is pioneering the future of reproductive biology by generating functional human eggs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). They are seeking a motivated iPSC Core Group Leader to manage the iPSC core, ensuring stability and quality across operations while leading a team and collaborating with R&D and Operations.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical
Responsibilities
Organize and run the iPSC core day-to-day
Maintain cell banks and execute QC for iPSCs and feeder lines
Track QC results, reagents, lots, consumables, and equipment; manage incubators and hoods in collaboration with Operations
Work closely with Operations to ensure differentiation protocols remain extremely stable and repeatable
Build and document SOPs for routine workflows
Collaborate with the Cell Engineering team to validate, QC, bank, and integrate new cell lines into the core
Establish strong communication loops with R&D teams to manage cell handoffs, define acceptance criteria, and communicate disruptions or delays to maintain quality
Lead, mentor, and grow a small team; set expectations for consistency, documentation, and accountability
Keep junior scientists engaged and motivated on core work; invest in training and mentorship
Coordinate across R&D and Operations to communicate timings, risks, delays, and mitigations proactively
Collaborate with R&D scientists to standardize and scale directed differentiation of at least one lineage, expanding to multiple lines over time
Partner with ML and computational biology experts to explore automated imaging and RNAseq as predictors of long-term culture success
Develop and implement new QC methods for differentiations
Propose innovations to improve cell quality, efficiency, and early risk detection
Qualification
Required
Experience level: PhD or equivalent work experience
Extensive, senior-scientist-level experience with iPSC culture and differentiation protocols to one or more lineages
Proven ability to run organized, traceable, high-quality cell culture operations
Experience mentoring or managing junior scientists
Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
Strong communicator and collaborator
Motivation to build systems that scale from R&D to preclinical and CMC readiness
Preferred
PhD in Cell or Developmental Biology or related field, or Master's with relevant industry experience
Benefits
Competitive pay
Company equity
Excellent healthcare benefits
Company
Conception
Conception is a company developing the technology to turn skin cells into viable human eggs.
Founded in 2018
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$20M2021-11-23Series Unknown· $20M
2020-08-03Seed
2019-05-03Convertible Note
Leadership Team
Matt Krisiloff
CEO and Co-Founder
Bianka Seres
Head of Engineering / COO
Recent News
MIT Technology Review
2025-11-03
Company data provided by crunchbase