X, The Moonshot Factory · 1 day ago
2026 PhD Residency - Applied Biology for Advanced Biological Platforms, Early Stage Project
Mountain View, CA
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad
$109K/yr - $129K/yrX, The Moonshot Factory is focused on bridging the gap between cellular biophysics and advanced biological engineering. The residency aims to develop high-fidelity biological systems and improve predictability of biological responses through innovative research and experimentation.
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Responsibilities
Collaborate on the development and optimization of complex biological platforms that utilize high-fidelity 3D human tissue models to improve the predictability of biological responses
Independently design and execute experiments focusing on the maintenance of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their directed differentiation into specialized lineages, such as cardiac and stromal cell types
Perform and refine protocols for the generation of complex, self-organizing microtissues, including cardioids and branched organoids—utilizing advanced scaffolding and self-forming hydrogel techniques
Analyze cellular phenotypes and maturation states through a combination of high-content imaging, genomic, and transcriptomic methodologies to ensure model robustness
Investigate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions within microphysiological environments, identifying key mechanical and biochemical cues that steer tissue development
Develop robust lab documentation and standardized protocols to transition bench-scale biological breakthroughs into reliable, reproducible platform components within scalable, standardized processes for the Moonshot Factory
Qualification
Required
Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related STEM field
Strong hands-on experience in human iPSC culture and the use of directed differentiation protocols to generate functional 3D tissue models
Experience in genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and establishing stable, genetically modified iPSC lines
Familiarity with characterizing organoid maturation, including evaluating structural complexity, polarization, and lineage-specific biomarkers
Proficiency in modern molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting) and confocal imaging to assess cellular states
Expertise in microfabrication techniques for complex tissue engineering (e.g. Microfluidic, Bioprinting)
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, rapid-prototyping environment where learning from experimental failure is part of the engineering process
Preferred
Understanding of microfluidic systems and how mechanical forces influence the remodeling of engineered tissues
Experience using AI/ML platforms to interpret complex biological datasets or correlate tissue microstructure with phenotypic responses
Benefits
Benefits
Company
X, The Moonshot Factory
X, the moonshot factory invents and launches breakthrough technologies and radical solutions. It is a sub-organization of Alphabet.
Founded in 2010
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Helen Riley
COO/CFO of X, The Moonshot Factory (aka Google X)
Artem Goncharuk
Director of Engineering
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