E11 Bio - Scientist, Tissue & Imaging Quality
About the role
E11 Bio is a Focused Research Organization (FRO) with a long-term mission to make connectomics scalable and cost-effective for mammalian brains—first for mice and eventually for humans. We have recently developed PRISM, a platform technology for low-cost optical connectomics. PRISM integrates advances in genetic cell barcoding, multiplexed expansion microscopy, and machine-learning-based spatial reconstruction to solve key bottlenecks in data acquisition and analysis. PRISM will reduce the cost of connectomics 100-fold and thereby transform neuroscience, treatments for brain disorders, and neuro-inspired computing.
We are seeking a mission-aligned experimental scientist who is equally comfortable at the bench, the microscope, and with quantitative data analysis. This role is responsible for sample preparation end-to-end for high-quality connectomics, combining hands-on experimental work with quantitative image-based QC to diagnose failure modes and iteratively improve protocols. You will collaborate closely with molecular biology, imaging, and computational teams to ensure we consistently prepare high-quality specimens and brain tissue to support our ambitious scaling goals toward whole-brain connectomics.
Responsibilities
- Ensure consistent end-to-end quality across our in vivo sample preparation pipeline.
- Collaborate with technicians, including viral delivery and animal perfusion, tissue processing, and overall readiness for imaging and molecular readouts.
- Perform and troubleshoot stereotaxic injections and perfusions as needed to optimize our in vivo sample preparation pipeline and guide protocol improvements.
- Routinely evaluate injection and perfusion outcomes (viral labeling, tissue quality, use for downstream work) through microscopy and image analysis.
- Define, implement, and maintain sample quality rubrics (e.g., labeling density, barcode density) and ensure samples are scored consistently over time.
- Develop and maintain image-based workflows to generate quantitative QC metrics based on partnership and feedback with wet lab and computational staff.
- Design and perform experiments to improve sample quality when it is limiting for downstream applications.
- Extend quality assessment to RNA integrity and molecular preservation.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or a related life-science or engineering field, or Ph.D.-equivalent working record.
- 3-5 years of relevant research experience with a strong track record of end-to-end experimental ownership.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with in vivo sample preparation, including stereotaxic injections, perfusions, and tissue handling.
- Experience acquiring and working with confocal and widefield microscopy data.
- Experience developing or maintaining fit-for-purpose image-analysis workflows (e.g., Python scripts, Fiji macros, or equivalent) to support experimental iteration.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and record-keeping practices and strong attention to reproducibility.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly across wet-lab, imaging, and computational teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing or applying quality control rubrics or scoring systems for biological samples or imaging data.
- Familiarity with image-analysis pipelines for cell counting, morphology, spatial distributions, or intensity-based metrics.
- Experience working in highly iterative or startup-like research environments and in work where roles span multiple technical domains.
Benefits
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan; parental leave.
- Generous time off + paid holidays.
- 401K matching up to 6% of base salary.
- Ample healthy and energizing food including daily lunches.
- Stipend for fitness and wellness activities.
Pay
Base salary range: $96,000 - $144,000 a year.
Bonus: Performance-based, up to 20% of base salary.
401k match: up to 6% of base salary.
Total potential compensation range: $121,000 - $181,000.