Research Scientist

Lead Research Scientist

Location: Premier NYC Life Science Incubator
Company: Circadian OS
Commitment: Part-time (10–20 hrs/week)

About Us

Circadian OS is building a next-generation platform that combines personalized phototherapy with biomarker-driven insights to optimize circadian biology for improved therapeutic outcomes in oncology and beyond. We are expanding our R&D capabilities and seeking our first wet-lab scientist to establish foundational experimental workflows and build the company’s internal assay capabilities.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated, independent Part-Time Research Scientist with expertise in primary cell isolation, gene expression analysis, and molecular assays. This individual will establish Circadian OS’s wet lab within a premier NYC incubator, lead initial assay development, and operationalize the analytical workflows that will underpin our biomarker platform. This is a unique opportunity for a self-starter who thrives in early-stage environments and wants to directly shape the company’s experimental and analytical infrastructure.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Setup & Operations

• Establish and organize company lab space within a premier NYC incubator.
• Source, evaluate, and order laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables.
• Coordinate with incubator lab management to ensure compliance with safety and operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and documentation for experimental workflows, equipment use, and sample handling.

Assay Development, Execution & Troubleshooting

• Isolate monocytes from fresh human blood using standard protocols (e.g., Ficoll, adherence, MACS).
• Perform high-quality RNA extractions and ensure sample integrity.
• Execute gene expression profiling using established RNA expression methods (e.g., qPCR, targeted panels, RNA expression profiling workflows). Experience with NanoString is a plus but not required.
• Set up, optimize, and validate company-specific assays, including troubleshooting experimental issues and improving protocols.

Data Analysis & Benchmarking

• Establish analytical workflows to process gene expression data, including quality control and normalization.
• Validate and benchmark expression results across replicates, conditions, and platforms.
• Compile, interpret, and present results to scientific leadership.
• Contribute to experimental design and next-step recommendations based on analytical insights.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with leadership to align lab activities with scientific and product development goals.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and data clearly and proactively.
• Support planning for lab growth, additional assay technologies, and future R&D expansion.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience isolating monocytes from blood is required.
• Hands-on experience performing RNA extractions is required.
• Experience with RNA expression profiling methods (e.g., qPCR, targeted panels). NanoString experience is a plus but not required.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort operating independently as the first wet-lab hire.
• Prior experience setting up or running a small research lab highly preferred.
• Strong organizational, experimental design, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with incubator environments and shared lab operations is a plus.
• Experience with basic computational analysis of gene expression data (R, Python, or vendor software).

Benefits

Compensation

• Compensation range (required by NY law): $40–$70 per hour , depending on experience and qualifications.

What We Offer

• Flexible part-time schedule (10–20 hrs/week).
• Opportunity to establish foundational wet-lab capabilities without the demands of a full-scale lab buildout.
• Direct impact on experimental strategy, biomarker development, and early R&D priorities, with a scope appropriate for a part-time role.