Research Associate, Hibernation at Until Labs in San Francisco, CA

Until is a moonshot company building a “pause button” for biology. Our near-term focus is organ-scale reversible cryopreservation: preserving donated organs at subzero temperatures without ice formation, then rewarming them uniformly for transplant. By solving this grand challenge, we’re laying the foundation for whole-body reversible cryopreservation, giving patients a bridge to future cures.

To achieve our goal, we are assembling an interdisciplinary team to develop perfusion systems, cryoprotectant formulations, and vitrification and rewarming hardware.

We envision a future where no transplantable organ is lost to logistics, and no terminal diagnosis is final because patients can safely wait for future medicine to arrive.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, motivated and detail-oriented full-time Research Associate to join our hibernation team. In this role, you will contribute directly to advancing our mission by developing and refining whole-body cryoprotectant perfusion protocols. Your initial responsibilities will center on systematic evaluation of perfusion efficiency and post-perfusion organ viability. The person in this role is encouraged to take on significant ownership of specific technical challenges.

You will work closely with scientists, applying fundamental principles from biology, physics, and chemistry to solve complex problems. We value creative engagement and encourage you to explore new ideas, methods, and approaches that can accelerate discovery and optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle experimental setup and preparation, including making solutions, preparing equipment, and assembling the perfusion circuit.
• Support whole-body perfusion experiments, including monitoring physiological parameters, controlling perfusion conditions, and maintaining detailed documentation.
• Evaluate multiple tissues and organs post-perfusion, assessing both structural integrity and cryoprotectant distribution across different organ systems.
• Ensure accurate sample processing and on-time data reporting.
• Review relevant literature and design experimental tests to address key questions that advance and optimize preservation protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (or equivalent STEM-related training and experience).
• Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo rodent models. Surgical experience is highly desirable.
• Background or strong interest in physiology, with a creative approach to understanding and manipulating organ function.
• Self-driven, resourceful, and motivated by discovery—committed to advancing ambitious scientific projects and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
• At least 2 years of experience with a strong track record of success in executing complex and demanding laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for problem-solving and for exploring novel protocols and research directions.

Benefits

• Direct impact in a moonshot company creating the future as an early team member.
• Generous medical, dental and vision insurance coverage.
• Flexible time off and paid holidays.
• Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• FSA and commuter benefits.
• Subsidized lunch daily.

As an equal opportunity employer, Until is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. All applicants for positions at Until will be treated without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.