Programmable Medicine (a spin-out from Ashvattha Therapeutics) is an innovative, science-driven biotechnology company dedicated to developing a new class of drugs that identify and treat diseased cells with unprecedented precision. Our proprietary hydroxyl dendrimer (HD) platform, exclusively licensed from Johns Hopkins University, allows for the creation of hydroxyl dendrimer therapeutics (HDTs), which link known small molecule drugs to HDs for selective delivery with sustained effect in diseased tissues. We believe this approach to precision medicine has the potential to change the standard of care across a wide range of diseases. As pre-revenue organization, we are focused on advancing our pipeline through research, preclinical, and early clinical development while building a scalable operational foundation.
Role Summary
A successful candidate would need strong hands-on expertise in histological techniques, with experience working with brain and/or other tissues. Required technical competencies include sectioning fixed, frozen, or paraffin-embedded tissues; executing complex multi-marker immunostaining protocols; performing fluorescence and brightfield imaging; and conducting rigorous downstream image analysis using quantitative and reproducible methodologies. The candidate should be comfortable handling delicate CNS tissues, optimizing staining conditions, and troubleshooting technical challenges to ensure data integrity. The SRA must consistently deliver complete, well-documented datasets within defined timelines and communicate results, limitations, and experimental issues clearly and proactively to cross-functional teams. A minimum of 2+ years of industry experience in preclinical research or translational science is required.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities for this role include leading the design and execution of in-house tissue analyses following completion of in vivo studies, with primary emphasis on histological and translational readouts, including immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and plasma biomarker characterization. The SRA will drive quantitative tissue analysis to enable pharmacodynamic assessment and biomarker discovery across multiple therapeutic programs. Additional responsibilities include gene expression profiling, multiplex immunoassays, and other molecular analyses performed internally or in coordination with external CRO partners. The role requires establishing and optimizing complex experimental workflows, developing new assays from proof-of-concept through standardization, and troubleshooting technical challenges to ensure robust and reproducible data generation. Therapeutic areas may include CNS and PNS disorders as well as peripheral inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, from discovery through translational validation.
The SRA will also contribute to the design, execution oversight, and data interpretation of in vivo studies conducted at CROs, ensuring experimental rigor and alignment with program objectives. This position requires a high degree of scientific independence, strong organizational skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality data within given timelines.
Requirements
- B.S. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or related discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Expertise is required in standard in vivo assays and analyses such as tissue-based assays (histopathology, immunostaining), standard immunoassays, and qPCR.
- Must have exemplary written and verbal communication skills along with interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within and across functions at a small company and a fast-paced environment.
- Independent, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
- Technical writing experience including study reports
- Must be available to work full-time on-site at our Redwood City laboratories.
Preferred:
- Experience in the design and implementation of in vivo models for investigating inflammatory disease mechanisms and therapeutics
- Expertise in whole-slide imaging with slide scanners and advanced image quantification with commercial software platforms(e.g., Image-Pro)
- Expertise in neuroinflammation with a strong foundation in immunological mechanisms
- Experience in target engagement assays with small molecule inhibitors
- Experience in biomarker discovery for inflammatory diseases
What We Can Offer You
This is a unique opportunity to join a team focused on a new class of precision medicines that selectively treat diseased cells in regions of inflammation. By making precision medicine even more precise, our nanomedicine technology has the potential to change the standard of care across ophthalmology, neurology, inflammatory diseases and neuro-oncology. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain a better understanding of the cutting-edge technology.