Scientist, Complex in Vitro Systems (Lung Focus)

SGA Inc.

South San Francisco, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Algorithms, Analysis Skills, Assays, Bioengineering, Biology, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Cell Analysis, Cell Biology, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Sets, Detail Oriented, Disease, Documentation, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Establish Priorities, Experiment Design, Eye Diseases/Disorders, Genetics, Identify Issues, Image Processing, Immunology, MATLAB, Medical Products, Medicine, Microscopy, Molecular Biology, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Problem Solving Skills, Proteomics, Publications, Pulmonary Disease, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Respiratory Medicine, Risk Analysis, Scientific Publications, Staff Development, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Team Player, Technical Support, Toxicology, Translational Research
LOCATION
South San Francisco, CA
POSTED
Today
Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Scientist, Complex in Vitro Systems (Lung Focus) for a contract assignment with one of our premier Pharmaceutical Services clients in South San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities :
The Complex in Vitro Systems (CiS) Lab within the Department of Translational Safety is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to develop, characterize, and qualify advanced complex in vitro models to support the firm's mission of delivering safe and efficacious medicines. The CiS group partners closely with colleagues across Development Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Research to establish and implement innovative platforms that enable target assessment, lead optimization, and safety evaluation across a dynamic portfolio, novel modalities, and emerging therapeutic areas.

In this lab-based role, you will provide scientific and technical expertise to support the development and implementation of human lung complex in vitro models (CIVM), including lung organoids, air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, and lung microphysiological systems for drug development. Responsibilities include culturing and characterizing state-of-the-art lung CIVM models, designing and executing model qualification and characterization studies (e.g., advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and functional and phenotypic assays), analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, and maintaining rigorous, high-quality documentation. The Scientist will be expected to share scientific insights across functional teams, contribute to cross-disciplinary collaborations, and support internal and external publication efforts.

This position is ideal for an experienced scientist passionate about advancing disease modeling and translational safety through innovative complex in vitro. The successful candidate will excel in a dynamic, collaborative research environment, demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills, and effectively communicate across scientific disciplines to contribute to the development of cutting-edge ocular disease models and help shape the future of ocular drug discovery and development.
  • Development, qualification, and implementation of innovative in vitro lung model systems (e.g., airway and alveolar organoids, ALI cultures, lung-on-a-chip co-culture platforms) to support disease modeling and lung safety risk assessment.
  • Designing and executing experiments to characterize lung models, including evaluation of cell viability, morphology, and barrier integrity and function, using techniques such as cytotoxicity assays, confocal and high-content imaging, transepithelial resistance/permeability assays, and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.
  • Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams within and outside the firm to align on complex model building with therapeutic strategies and program needs.
  • Analyzing, interpreting, and clearly communicating study results to collaborators and stakeholders, and contributing to internal and external scientific presentations as appropriate.
  • Maintaining comprehensive electronic documentation in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contributing to study reports, safety assessments, and final deliverables.
Required Skills:
  • PhD in Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Toxicology (or related fields) with 0-5 years of experience post-PhD with hypothesis-driven research in industry or academia.
  • Experience in culturing multiple lung cell types, including relevant lung primary cells and cell lines.
  • Proven expertise in developing, qualifying, and applying airway or alveolar organoids, co-culture systems, and microphysiological or microfluidic platforms, to support drug discovery and translational research.
  • Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative characterization techniques such as qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, proteomics, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, live-cell and time-lapse imaging, high-content imaging/screening, and analysis of data generated from these assays.
  • Strong experimental design skills, with demonstrated ability in troubleshooting, method development, and protocol optimization for complex in vitro systems.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented scientist who prioritizes shared objectives and communicates effectively across disciplines, with a strong work ethic grounded in scientific rigor, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience lung biology and immunology is a strong plus.
  • Advanced proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for image processing, algorithm development, and large-scale data analysis.
SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/ .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.

#LI-PA2Salary:52.14-57.14 USD/Hour

About the Company

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SGA Inc.