Scientist, Biology

Our mission is to develop therapies that empower the immune system to combat neurodegeneration and our team is focused on developing treatments for some of the most challenging diseases facing our society. By harnessing advancements in genetics, immunology and neuroscience, we are pioneering the development of potential therapies to counteract the devastating progression of neurodegeneration. We are supported in this mission by experienced and accomplished scientists and clinicians, a novel portfolio of programs, leading healthcare investors, and pharma company partners, who share in our commitment to bettering the lives of patients and realizing a world where we make brain disorders history.

As a Scientist on our Biology team, you will design and execute in vitro studies and analytical assays that help us evaluate potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. You will work with advanced cellular models, process in vivo and in vitro samples, and generate high-quality data that inform pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), efficacy, safety, proof-of-concept (POC), and mechanism-of-action (MOA) studies.

You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across Biology, ADPE, and Preclinical teams to advance our programs. We value scientific curiosity, thoughtful experimentation, and the ability to adapt as our science and priorities evolve.

Key Goals and Accountabilities

• Advance our therapeutic programs! Design and execute in vitro pharmacology studies using iPSC-derived cellular models, including induced neurons, induced microglia, and co-culture and triple-culture systems.

• Build disease-relevant models! Develop and optimize cellular models of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease, to enable POC and MOA studies.

• Generate decision-driving data! Collect and process cell lysates, media, rodent brain, and other biological samples and perform downstream biochemical and cellular analyses.

• Turn experiments into shared insights! Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate results while maintaining accurate experimental records, protocols, and data in our electronic lab notebook.

• Accelerate how we do science! Collaborate across Biology, ADPE, and Preclinical teams while identifying opportunities to integrate innovative technologies, especially AI, to expedite programs, improve scientific workflows, and save valuable resources.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Hands-on experience with cell culture, including iPSC-derived and/or primary rodent neuronal models.

• Experience with biochemical and cellular techniques such as immunoblotting, ELISA, MSD, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry/FACS, or immunohistochemistry.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and clearly communicate scientific findings.

• You are an active user of large language models (LLMs) and have a strong interest in evolving AI technologies and how they can improve scientific research and productivity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical research environment.

• Experience developing or optimizing cellular models of neurodegenerative disease.

• Familiarity with confocal microscopy and neurohistology techniques.

At Alector, our vision is bold, people are our priority, and our values are at the core of everything we do. Our dynamic and flexible environment encourages our teams to experiment, take ownership of decisions, and question convention to solve complex problems. We value shared wins, perseverance, and a growth mindset, which drives us forward, together.
Among the things you'll discover at Alector from your very first day are our committed and driven colleagues, a bold company vision, and new, modern offices designed to inspire innovation and collaboration in South San Francisco, right at the heart of Biotech Bay. Our benefits are thoughtfully designed around Alectorians and their loved ones and include flexible hybrid work options, competitive compensation, and comprehensive and unique benefits that enhance your health and well-being. Come join us! We believe that hard-working teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who can challenge each other’s assumptions with fresh perspectives and bring creative ideas to the table. We are committed to building an open, diverse, and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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