Cell Biologist (Night Shift)

About the Role

We are a driven and mission-focused team based in San Francisco composed of experts from prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard Medical School, and Roche. Our culture prizes rapid, rigorous work paired with enthusiasm, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. In this early-stage environment, we seek individuals who can provide clarity to ambiguous challenges, own next steps proactively, and execute with energy.

Capable Labs offers ambitious, high-integrity professionals a chance to grow significantly. You'll work closely with decision-makers shaping scientific and company directions and gain opportunities to tackle critical issues. We reward impactful contributions with meaningful responsibility, trust, and ownership, regardless of title.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and refine cell-based assays focused on GPCR pharmacology including assays based on FLIPR calcium flux, cyclic AMP, IP1/IP accumulation, beta-arrestin recruitment, receptor internalization, membrane potential, and fluorescence or luminescence signals.
• Create robust workflows leveraging transient and stable cell systems, encompassing cell culture techniques, optimal plating densities, receptor expression, ligand challenges, antagonist and inhibitor formats, time-course planning, dose-response evaluations, and assay window tuning.
• Conduct high-quality fluorescence, luminescence, HTRF/TR-FRET, BRET, ELISA, plate-reader, and imaging assays to assess characteristics such as potency, efficacy, selectivity, kinetics, bias, and reproducibility.
• Collaborate closely with chemists and automation engineers to link chemical synthesis with biological activities.

Candidate Profile

• Backgrounds such as cell biology, pharmacology, molecular biology, chemical biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, screening, and assay development are welcome, as well as unconventional paths; key is the capability to generate trustworthy biological data from complex cellular assays.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with a methodical mindset to identify issues in assays or data, improve processes, and prevent recurrence.
• Practical experience conducting cell-based assays is necessary. Familiarity with GPCR signaling assays (FLIPR calcium flux, cAMP, IP1/IP accumulation, beta-arrestin recruitment, receptor trafficking) is advantageous but not mandatory; training on specific assays is available.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range between $120,000 and $220,000 annually, complemented with equity options currently valued approximately between $50,000 and $200,000 before taxes, dilution, and liquidity considerations.
• Compensation is flexible and negotiable in accordance with an individual’s expertise, experience, and potential impact.
• A wellness budget exceeding $500 per month to support fitness, supplements, coaching, recovery, or related resources that enhance performance.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits covering medical, dental, and vision — with the company covering 100% of the base insurance premium.
• Access to financial benefits such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and 401(k) retirement plans.
• Provision of healthy dinners daily as part of the team culture.
• Visa sponsorship available for appropriate candidates, including O-1, H-1B, J-1, TN, and other employment-related visa categories in a diverse international team.

Application Process

• Initial application submission
• First telephone interview
• Second telephone interview
• An in-person work trial held in San Francisco to mutually evaluate suitability and provide the opportunity to meet the founding team

Additional Notes

Applicants unsure about meeting every requirement are encouraged to apply. We value potential and impactful work above perfect alignment with job descriptions. Referrals of outstanding candidates are appreciated, with a thank-you bonus offered if they join the company.