Research Associate, Vienna
Parallel Bio · Vienna · €40,000 (stated in the posting)
The Mission
Drug discovery has a translation problem: more than 95% of drugs that succeed in animal models fail in humans. We're building the alternative: human-first drug discovery, powered by organoids and AI, running on real human biology from the very first experiment.
Our platform is 87% concordant with clinical patient data - a vast improvement over the 3% translational success rate of animals. We’ve demonstrated the ability to model immunotoxicology, immunogen stimulation, and two autoimmune diseases with more on the way. Numerous pharma partners including 3 Fortune 500 companies are already using the platform. We've raised ~$30M from AIX Ventures, Marc Benioff, Jeff Dean, and Y Combinator. With the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 and the FDA's March 2026 validation framework, the regulatory tailwinds only continue to get stronger.
The opportunity ahead of the company is generational: build the first scaled engine for generating real human biological data, and use it to fundamentally change how medicines are discovered.
The Role
Derivation, quality control and biobanking
Derive iPSC lines from donor blood, from cell isolation through colony picking, clonal expansion and cryopreservation.
Interpret cell line quality control data and determine passed or failed samples using internationally recognized acceptance criteria.
Understand and reduce the sources of variation that affect iPSC-generation success and quality as our biobank expands.
Organoid development
Maintain iPSC and primary cultures to a consistent standard.
Differentiate iPSCs towards immune organoids using in-house protocols.
Run iterative optimisation cycles: change conditions, measure the effect, keep what works.
Improve organoid longevity, reproducibility and functional performance against the intended phenotype.
Assays and data
Design, validate and run the readouts that show organoid functionality: flow cytometry panels, (q)PCR, immunofluorescence and imaging, ELISA and Luminex.
Prepare samples for external sequencing (bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, whole exome) and manage submissions and turnaround with providers.
Willingness to do routine tasks (e.g. equipment maintenance) to ensure our laboratory is running smoothly.
Interpret your own data, including the flow analysis, and present conclusions, not just raw data.
Document in the electronic lab notebook and write up what works as Work Instructions and SOPs, kept current as the process changes.
Team and culture
Work with the US team on platform comparison and share your expertise with colleagues as the team grows.
Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues/junior researchers and present findings in internal meetings and challenge conclusions, including ours.
Flag when the data does not support the conclusion being drawn, and report ambiguous results with the same care as clean ones.
Education and Experience
MSc in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioengineering or a related field.
Strong preference for aseptic human pluripotent stem cell culture (iPSC or ESC). Otherwise at least one year of tissue culture experience with excellent aseptic technique.
Hands-on experience with standard molecular and cellular assays, including flow cytometry with panel design and independent analysis, (q)PCR and ELISA.
Experience with reprogramming, clonal derivation, karyotyping or genotyping, or cryopreservation at scale is an advantage.
3D culture, organoid or spheroid experience is a clear advantage. Immunology knowledge, particularly lymphocyte biology, is a strong plus as well.
Experience preparing samples for NGS is welcome.
Skills and Competencies
You are comfortable working on a system that is still being defined and you can tell a real signal from a failed experiment.
You treat reproducibility as an interesting problem rather than a chore and you hold a standard under time pressure.
Strong organisational discipline and attention to detail. Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks or laboratory information systems is essential, since sample traceability is central to this role.
A team player, quick to help where needed and comfortable working across disciplines.
Excellent command of English, our only working language. German is nice to have.
Additional Requirements
This role requires weekend work on a rotating basis to maintain cell cultures and ensure experimental continuity.
Your compensation package will include a minimum base salary of €40.000 annually, based on a full-time engagement. The final amount will be determined based on experience and qualifications. This is a full-time position with no overtime compensation; the agreed salary covers all working hours. Flexible work arrangements may also be possible to support work-life balance.
Parallel Bio is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.