Helaina is a VC-backed biotech startup creating a new category of functional food products.Our vision is to bring the functional properties of human proteins to food. Helaina will be the first company to put human milk proteins into food, defining a new category of consumer nutrition products focused on supporting immunity. We will initially launch a first-of-its-kind infant formula – the only infant formula with immune-nourishing proteins found in human milk. We also see a range of opportunities to use our breast milk proteins to enhance other types of functional foods for all segments of the population.Helaina is backed by top VCs in the industry including Spark Capital, Siam Capital, Primary Venture Partners, and Plum Alley. We are a team of change-makers looking for our next team member who is intensely passionate about advancing synthetic biology for food and beverage products and redefining the future of nutrition.About the Job:In this role, you will work to understand the immunomodulatory mechanisms of infant formula ingredients. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, motivated self-starter with a strong sense of initiative. You will be responsible for contributing directly to Helaina's company milestones by designing, performing, and troubleshooting experiments for the team's objective of understanding the immunomodulatory properties of infant nutrition ingredients.What You'll Do:

• Perform and lead Immunological, cellular, and molecular assays including, but not limited to, primary cell culture, multicolor flow cytometry, standard ELISA, and multiplex ELISA/Luminex.
• Conduct quantitative assessments of pro-inflammatory, regulatory, and anti-inflammatory levels of cytokines through in-vitro and ex-vivo cell assays.
• Work with Luminex bead based multiplex cytokine level evaluation assays and data analysis.
• Data analytics using PRISM, FACS analysis, FlowJo and Luminex softwares.
• Handling of ex-vivo samples in a BSL2 aseptic environment.
• Develop/perform simulated digestion modeling assays
• Generate detailed SOPs for in-vitro/ex-vivo assays.
• Troubleshoot and optimize equipment when necessary.
• Record and manage data in an electronic lab notebook.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, and scientific presentations.

About You:

• You have a PhD in Immunology or master's degree with 5+ years of industry experience in immunology or related discipline.
• You are skilled in cell culture and experience with in-vitro functional assays using human primary immune cells is highly desirable.
• You are highly skilled in assay development and validation, including but not limited to ELISA, flow cytometry, and Western blot.
• You have a strong background in innate immune system, T helper cell responses, phagocytosis, autoimmune responses.
• You have prior experience of publications in peer review journals, patents, SOPs, and/or regulatory filings is highly desirable.
• You are energetic, creative, and personally motivated by the future of food and/or biological products.
• You are an effective communicator, both within a collaborative scientific team and in communicating science to non-technical audiences.
• You are eager to make an impact in a team environment.
• Bonus points if you have start-up or industry experience!

Compensation is market-competitive with a yearly cash base of $85k - $115k plus equity. Benefits:Helaina was founded on the belief that families should have freedom of choice. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that does just that, supporting our team's health, wellbeing and professional development at every stage and milestone. We are proud to offer comprehensive health care, generous parental leave and childcare reimbursement, equity packages and more to our Full-Time employees. A few highlights include:

• Full medical, vision and dental coverage
• Short and long term disability insurance coverage
• 401k match (up to 3%)
• Unlimited vacation days, including an all-company holiday between Christmas and New Year
• Paid Parental Leave for both parents + flexible return to work program
• Childcare reimbursement program
• Commuter Benefits
• Leadership Development coaching through BetterUp

Helaina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Helaina we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the strongest candidate for this or other roles. For more information, please contact careers@myhelaina.com. Learn more about Helaina: https://www.myhelaina.com/press