Calico Life Sciences

Senior/Principal Associate Scientist, Mammalian Physiology

Calico Life Sciences · South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco, CA $130K–$161K Posted 2026-10-20
Salary
$130K–$161K
Type
Full-time
Experience
3+ yr

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

We are seeking a Senior/Principal Associate Scientist to join an interdisciplinary, collaborative team working at the intersection of mammalian stress response pathways and disease. The ideal candidate will be a skilled experimentalist with exceptional critical thinking skills, strong communication skills across cross-functional teams, and a strong history of productivity in fast-paced work environments. This person will be able to work both independently and collaboratively and will be detail-oriented, organized, adaptable and self-motivated.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage and coordinate in vivo studies, in collaboration with the Research Physiology team
  • Independently conduct smaller in vivo studies
  • Sample preparation and management and execution of downstream assays
  • Lead development and execution of primary cell culture assays
  • Effectively communicate experimental results and project progress in various forums such as lab meetings

Position Requirements:

  • BS/MS degree in physiology, biology, genetics, neuroscience or a related field, with 8+ years (BS) or 6+ years (MS) of extensive experience with in vivo mammalian model systems
  • Proficiency in mammalian in vivo experiments and primary cell isolation and culture; familiarity with complex co-culture systems and/or organoids preferred
  • Experienced in deploying biochemical, cellular and molecular assays, histology and immunofluorescence
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and highly organized with ability to multi-task
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex data
  • Versatile experimentalist with a track record of learning new skills quickly
  • Skilled collaborator who is able to work closely with different teams to achieve project goals
  • Ability to independently plan, execute and analyze experiments to meet time-sensitive goals
  • Basic statistical skills required
  • Preference for prior experience working with data software such as Prism
  • Must be willing to work on site 5 days a week

The estimated base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $161,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

$110K — 10th pctl $270K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $145K vs. market median $180K for Engineering roles
-20%
below median
Based on 25,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
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