Portal Biotechnologies, headquartered in Watertown, MA, is a rapidly scaling cell-engineering platform company operating across three high-value business lines (biopharma R&D screening, next-generation cell therapy manufacturing, and AI training data generation), addressing markets totaling $100B+. Since launching its first product in 2024, Portal has built a network of 100+ active customers, including the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies and leading academic hospitals and cancer centers worldwide.

Backed by $15M in venture funding and an $8M DARPA contract, Portal’s proprietary mechanoporation technology enables efficient multiplex delivery of diverse cargos such as RNA, proteins, small molecules, and gene-editing tools without compromising cell function. The approach is simple and scalable, supporting applications from high-throughput drug screening to clinical-scale manufacturing, and it works both as a stand-alone system and as an integrated component in third-party platforms.

In biopharma R&D, Portal’s products enable novel screening assays by delivering otherwise cell-impermeable probes and candidate molecules directly into live cells, unlocking intracellular access that standard methods cannot provide. In cell therapy, Portal’s GMP-integrated consumables and a DARPA-funded portable device (launching 2027) are aimed at making engineered cell therapies as accessible and ubiquitous as an infusion pump. In AI training data, Portal generates high-value, multiparametric datasets from primary cells, producing biologically relevant training data that current cell line-based methods cannot replicate.

With a leadership team bringing decades of experience in biotech operations and clinical cell therapy development, Portal is positioned to become the foundational platform for next-generation cell engineering, drug discovery, and biological AI data generation.

The role:

As we grow, we are seeking a motivated and entrepreneurial individual to join our San Francisco hub as a research associate. Working collaboratively and cross-functionally with our engineering and molecular biology teams (in SF and Boston),the RA will aid in the development of our core technology and product portfolio. If you’re someone who is excited by high-impact projects, who doesn’t shy away from taking on diverse responsibilities, and who thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, this might just be the opportunity you have been looking for.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Develop next generation cell engineering methods utilizing materials such as antibodies, nanoparticles, RNA, and CRISPR/Cas-9
• Perform primary cell culture and isolation techniques
• Culture iPSCs and drive them into desirable differentiation states
• Perform in vitro cell assays, including qPCR, multicolor flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, western blot, RNAseq, microscopy, and co-culture assays
• Independently conduct experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and communicate findings to the research team
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date experimental records
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including reagent procurement, inventory management, and equipment calibration/maintenance to ensure a high-functioning research environment.
• Coordinate and serve as point-of-contact for studies and applications with external collaborators & clients

Your experience & qualifications:

• BS or MS in bioengineering, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field + 0-3 years experience
• Strong background in cell culture techniques
• Experience with standard cell characterization assays including multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA, western blot, PCR, qPCR, etc.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including cloning and transfection
• Clear and effective communicator with strong organizational and record-keeping skills
• Experience with RNA biology, CRISPR, and/or iPSCs is a plus

Please note: Portal’s headquarters are located in Watertown, MA. However, this opening is for Portal’s California site, located at MBC Biolabs in San Carlos, CA - onsite parking is available and it's a 15 minute walk from the Caltrain station.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their CVs to joinus@portal.bio for consideration. Thank you!