Job Description

Role: Science and Processing Specialist

Location: Los Angeles

____________________________________________________________________________

The most important ingredient in medicine will soon be your own cells. Studies have shown our cells have the power to help regrow hair, replenish skin, repair damage, and even regenerate tissue. But the clock is ticking.

As we age, so do our cells, and over time they become more damaged and less capable. This means that when we need our cells the most, they may be too old and ineffective to receive the full benefits of regenerative treatments.

Acorn can help with this. We collect and cryogenically freeze your own cells, sourced non-invasively from hair follicles. This completely halts the effects of aging, providing you with a collection of your own younger cells, ready for the future of regenerative medicine.

Acorn not only acts as your cell cryopreservation resource but is also actively developing cell-based therapy applications, in which this role is very involved.

We have recently launched our product and service by partnering with Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, MedSpas, and Wellness Centers in Canada and are preparing to expand rapidly across North America.

The Role

Acorn is looking for a passionate and dynamic Science and Processing Specialist as one of our first hires in the Acorn Los Angeles office. This role is part of the science team and reports to the Operations Manager.

As part of the processing team, you will be responsible for the commercial processing of human biological samples in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) upon the arrival of samples to our lab in Torrance. These samples are a lifelong resource for our clients, and diligent processing is paramount to ensure their ideal preservation.

As part of the science team, you will support the development of scientific blogs, articles, and materials used in external communications. This role is integral in communicating Acorn to new patients in California.

You should feel comfortable in a fast paced environment and energized and rewarded when you help us achieve great results.

Our values are important to us and set the culture of our company.

1. Integrity First

• • In our science, with our clients, with each other. Always.

2. Collaborate

• • Be kind, supportive, respectful, and inclusive. Be humble and grateful.

3. Show up

• • Take pride in your work. Be dependable, accountable, and disciplined. Strive for excellence - and be agile. Add value.

4. Be curious

• • Ask why. Constantly learn. Create. Innovate.

5. Have fun

• • Enjoy life! Laugh - at yourself and with others. Be passionate about your work.

Location: Torrance, California

What You'll Do

• Collect, analyze and cryopreserve human biological samples in ISO-7 and ISO-5 clean rooms per standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
  • Handle the transfer of samples into liquid nitrogen tanks.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, sanitation and cleaning of the cleanrooms.
  • Maintain proper documentation, inclusive of batch records for all sample processing.
  • Actively promote safety and awareness in the laboratory.
  • Aid in the quality control process through creating SOPs, documentation and records.
• Scientific content creation and development.
  • Use relevant platforms to generate scientific and user-friendly content to be used in marketing efforts.
  • Aid in the creation of a database highlighting trends in the field of stem cell biology and biotechnology.

What You'll Need To Succeed

• Bsc. or Msc. in the field of biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cells and systems biology or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems with a high level of independence.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to present information effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to leading with humility, curiosity, and transparency, with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and dig into the work.
• Access to a car in the Los Angeles Area regularly.

Nice to have

• 1-3 years of experience performing molecular biology or culture-based research.
• Experience in developing and managing logistics networks.
• Relevant experience working on collaborative projects and/or startup environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theory and practice of laboratory procedures, instruments, and equipment required.
• Knowledge and mastery of general cell techniques, including aseptic handling of mammalian cell culture and maintenance of primary cell lines. Previous work with stem and iPS cells is a plus.

What will give you an edge:

• Proven track record with other startups or VC-backed companies

Why Acorn

In our lifetime, our own cells will be the key to solving some of the biggest healthcare challenges we face. Providing individuals with the best opportunity to live a long and healthy life by leveraging regenerative medicine is core to what we do at Acorn.

We're excited by the potential the future will bring. Join the Acorn team and be part of something great.