Director of Biology

TBC is an applied biological computing company that uses real neurons to improve AI models. We study how biological neural networks process information, extract useful computational principles, and translate those insights into software that makes modern AI models better, faster, and more efficient. Our Algorithm Discovery Platform brings together biology, computational neuroscience, AI research, and software engineering to develop new algorithms, architectures, and neurally-optimized software for generative video and next-generation AI infrastructure. Today, we are commercializing neurally optimized models that run on conventional GPU and cloud infrastructure. Longer term, we are building toward real-time biological compute, where real neurons operate alongside silicon as part of the compute stack. Our interdisciplinary team includes researchers and engineers with experience at Apple, Johns Hopkins, Meta, MIT, Stanford, and other leading institutions.

About the role

TBC is hiring a Director of Biology to lead our San Francisco laboratory and manage the biology team there. You will be responsible for the scientific quality, experimental throughput, and operational performance of the wet lab. This is a senior leadership role for someone who combines strong scientific judgment with effective people management and operational execution. You will remain close to the science while building the people, systems, and processes required to make TBC’s biological platform more reliable, reproducible, and scalable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SF biology team
  • Manage, mentor, and develop scientists, research associates, and laboratory staff.
  • Set team priorities, allocate resources, and ensure high-quality execution across experimental programs.
  • Support recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and professional development for the biology organization.
  • Build a culture centered on scientific rigor, documentation, collaboration, safety, accountability, and speed.
• Own San Francisco Laboratory Operations
  • Oversee day-to-day wet-lab operations, including equipment, supplies, inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships, and laboratory readiness.
  • Ensure that facilities, equipment, and workflows support current research priorities and future growth.
  • Lead planning for laboratory expansion, new equipment, maintenance, process improvements, and additional experimental capacity.
  • Identify operational risks and implement systems that allow the laboratory to run safely, consistently, and efficiently.
• Drive Biological Platform Execution
  • Oversee neuronal culture systems, tissue preparation, and experimental workflows involving living neural networks.
  • Maintain and improve culture viability, consistency, reproducibility, and experimental throughput.
  • Establish clear quality-control standards for biological preparations and experimental readiness.
  • Partner with scientists across disciplines to design stimulation, recording, and analysis workflows tied to TBC’s biological computing platform.
• Oversee Electrophysiology and MEA Workflows
  • Lead experimental programs involving multi-electrode array systems for neural stimulation and recording.
  • Ensure the collection of high-quality electrophysiological data with appropriate documentation, quality control, and data management.
  • Develop repeatable experimental protocols that support rapid iteration across biology, computational neuroscience, and AI.
  • Work closely with computational and engineering teams to connect biological measurements to model performance and company milestones.
• Maintain Quality, Safety, and Compliance
  • Own laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including GLP-aligned practices, biological safety procedures, and standard operating procedures.
  • Ensure that experimental protocols, training records, and laboratory documentation are complete, accurate, and current.
  • Oversee animal research support and compliance with approved IACUC protocols where applicable.
  • Maintain appropriate practices for equipment use, biological materials, tissue handling, waste disposal, and experimental recordkeeping.
• Partner Across The Company
  • Work closely with AI, computational neuroscience, engineering, product, and leadership teams to align biology priorities with company objectives.
  • Translate experimental results, risks, and resource requirements into clear recommendations for the technical roadmap.
  • Help define biological milestones and determine which experimental programs should receive additional investment.
  • Serve as a senior scientific and operational leader as TBC scales biology from individual research workflows into a repeatable platform.

What Success Looks Like

• TBC’s neuronal culture systems are consistent, viable, and reproducible across experiments.
• Laboratory throughput increases without sacrificing scientific quality, safety, or documentation.
• MEA experiments generate reliable data that can be translated into measurable AI and model-performance improvements.
• Biology priorities, staffing, and resources remain aligned with the company’s technical and commercial milestones.
• The biology team operates with clear ownership, strong collaboration, and high scientific standards.
• Laboratory systems and processes scale effectively as TBC expands its team, equipment, and experimental programs.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• At least seven years of relevant wet-lab experience, including two or more years managing scientists, research associates, or laboratory teams.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, primary neuronal culture, or neural tissue systems.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, equipment management, biological safety, documentation, and quality systems.
• Experience managing vendors, inventory, purchasing, and complex experimental workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary scientific teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work full-time on site in TBC’s San Francisco laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience with multi-electrode array systems, patch clamp, or other electrophysiology methods.
• Experience with in vivo animal research, including rodent handling, surgical procedures, injections, tissue collection, or IACUC compliance.
• Familiarity with GLP standards, immunoassays, immunohistochemistry, viral transduction, or chemogenetic methods.
• Experience in biotechnology, neurotechnology, AI-adjacent research, or another interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience building or scaling a laboratory through a period of rapid organizational growth.
• Experience implementing laboratory quality systems, operational metrics, or reproducibility standards.