About the company:

Industrial animal agriculture has had its share of negative impacts on the environment, public health, and animal welfare, and it's time for a change. In the near future, cultivated meat will be a necessity to address the challenges posed by traditional factory farming. The well-being of our planet, public health, and the economy all depend on it. At Novel Farms, we are reshaping the future of meat production and strive to deliver cultivated meat products to the dinner table that not only reproduce the taste and texture of a traditional steak but also offer a culinary experience for the next generation of meat lovers.

Our mission is clear - to alleviate the strain on our current food system and provide a sustainable solution that benefits not only human health but also animal welfare and the climate. With cultivated meat, we aim to offer real animal protein without the drawbacks of traditional factory farming. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the use of land and freshwater, as well as cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, which currently contribute to 14.5% of global emissions. As an early-stage foodtech startup, we are at the forefront of the cellular agriculture movement, and our vision is to make cultivated meat production accessible to all. We are working tirelessly to achieve price parity with conventional meat, developing groundbreaking scaffolding technology that allows us to produce cultivated meat as a viable and affordable option for consumers worldwide.

Joining our team means being part of a revolutionary movement that reinvents the way we feed our planet. Our operations are expanding and seek to build the most creative team of problem solvers for the task. As a member of Novel Farms, you'll have the opportunity to tackle complex issues and answer hard-hitting questions to make a positive impact on the world.

About the role:

As a Research Associate, you will report to the Senior Scientist and work in tissue engineering projects, assisting in the formulation and optimization of our proprietary animal-free cell culture media, analyzing cell growth and differentiation rates and preferences. You will work primarily in R&D to support advancements in bioprocessing, scaffolding, and large-scale tissue formation. If you are a mission-driven and detail-oriented researcher with a strong foundation in tissue engineering and cell biology, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Full Time employees enjoy 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits, a 401K, stock options, a spacious and luminous office and a fully-equipped laboratory in historical Berkeley landmark building close to Berkeley Bowl West, Ironworks, and ample career advancement as the company grows.

Location: Berkeley, CA, Full-time, 100% On-site.

Responsibilities:

• Thaw, passage, and freeze down animal cells, adhering to established protocols and best practices.
• Prepare cell growth media, ensuring proper nutrient composition and sterility.
• Conduct assays to analyze media analytes and execute workflows to optimize cell growth media conditions.
• Asses the growth and proliferation of different cell lines and their differentiation behavior on proprietary scaffolding platform.
• Characterize cell lines using fluorescence microscopy or other appropriate means, to obtain insights into cellular behavior and differentiation.
• Conducting rigorous experimental design, documentation, and data analysis.
• Report and present data concisely and effectively.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant life sciences field.
• 2+ years of laboratory experience.
• Experience in reviving, maintaining, and freezing down animal cells.
• Comprehensive understanding of media/nutrient requirements for various cell lines.
• Ability to perform assays for cell counting, growth rates, and live/dead analysis.
• Familiarity with assays for media analyte concentrations.
• Experience in media preparation with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent aseptic technique to ensure reliable and contamination-free results.
• Familiarity with cell repositories and literature search engines to support research efforts.
• Familiarity with spreadsheet software (i.e. Excel) for data analysis and record-keeping.
• Authorization to work in the US.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with animal cell biology, in particular muscle and adipose tissue formation.
• Familiarity with light and fluorescence microscopy to aid in cell line characterization.
• Familiarity with ImageJ (or equivalent) for image analysis and processing.

Full Time employees enjoy 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits, a 401K, stock options, a spacious and luminous office and a fully-equipped laboratory in historical Berkeley landmark building close to Berkeley Bowl West, Ironworks, and ample career advancement as the company grows.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your updated resume, cover letter, and any relevant publications or academic achievements.

Additional information

Novel Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.