About GondolaBio

GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation therapeutics for genetic diseases. Originally launched as BridgeBioX, a subsidiary of BridgeBio, GondolaBio secured $300M in private financing from external investors in 2024 and became an independent company within the BridgeBio ecosystem. The company aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to create breakthrough medicines addressing high unmet needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology. Located on the Stanford Life Sciences campus, GondolaBio fosters a unique hybrid environment where top scientists from around the world collaborate with senior leadership and advisors, blending industry expertise with academic innovation.

Who You Are

You are a technically strong and highly organized research associate with hands-on expertise in stem cell culture and neuronal differentiation. You have direct experience culturing human iPSCs and differentiating them into neurons, and you understand the precision required to generate reproducible, screening-ready cellular models.

You are comfortable operating in 96- and 384-well formats, executing structured workflows, and generating high-quality datasets to support discovery programs. You have experience in multiple biochemical and imaging assay formats and preferably have utilized multielectrode array technology. You take ownership of your work, maintain rigorous documentation, and thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment. You communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across teams, and are energized by contributing to programs that aim to deliver transformative medicines to patients.

This role will support neuroscience-focused discovery programs and contribute directly to in vitro screening of candidate therapeutics. This position requires a regular on-site presence at our lab in Palo Alto, CA typically 5 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Cell Culture & Model Generation

• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines, primary cells, and human iPSCs
• Differentiate iPSCs into disease-relevant neuronal subtypes and enhance workflow robustness and reproducibility
• Establish and manage cell banking processes, including QC, cryopreservation, and inventory tracking

Screening & Assay Execution

• Design and execute cell-based screening assays to deliver timely, high-quality data
• Perform molecular and cellular readouts including viability, gene and protein expression (e.g. qPCR, Western blot), and phenotypic characterization (e.g. electrophysiology studies using the MEA platform)
• Optimize transfection conditions, dosing paradigms, and assay parameters to ensure reliable compound characterization
• Generate high-quality, well-controlled datasets to inform program decision-making
• Integrate laboratory automation into experimental workflows

Data Integrity & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Maintain meticulous experimental documentation
• Present data clearly in team meetings and contribute to written summaries and reports
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across discovery biology and chemistry teams to advance research objectives

Education, Experience & Skills Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum 2 years of industry experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research
• Hands-on experience culturing human iPSCs and differentiating iPSCs into neuronal subtypes
• Experience maintaining multiple mammalian cell types under sterile technique
• Experience working in 96- and 384-well plate formats
• Experience establishing and managing cell banks or cell repositories with strong organizational and quality control practices
• Strong understanding of assay controls, experimental design principles, and data quality standards
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, milestone-driven discovery environment

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

• M.S. in a relevant scientific discipline
• Experience working with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNA, or other oligonucleotide modalities
• Experience with brain organoids or 3D neuronal culture systems
• Experience culturing and handling rodent primary neurons
• Experience with imaging-based assays, including high-content imaging or automated microscopy
• Experience with micro-electrode array (MEA) systems to assess neuronal network activity and functional phenotypes
• Experience supporting IND-enabling studies through generation, compilation, and structured documentation of preclinical data packages and reports
• Exposure to laboratory automation platforms (e.g., liquid handlers, automated incubators, integrated plate-based systems)
• Experience in a small or rapidly growing biotech company

No matter your role at GondolaBio, successful team members are

• Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards
• Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset
• Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers
• Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them
• High-Quality Executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed

What We Offer

• Patient Days, where we are fortunate to hear directly from individuals living with the conditions we are seeking to impact and learn how we can improve our efforts
• An unyielding commitment to always putting patients first
• A decentralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients
• A collaborative, fast-paced, data-driven environment with world-class R&D capabilities
• Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs)
• Flexible PTO
• Rapid career advancement for strong performers and commitment to supporting and advancing your vision for your career
• Partnerships with leading institutions
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The base pay range for this position is $103,000 - $120,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. A bonus plan and equity will also be offered.