Job Description
Location: Bakar Labs, Berkeley, CA
Company: Hexembio – A Bakar Labs Resident Company
Position Type: Full-time, Industry Postdoc, available starting May 15th
Term: One year fellowship with potential for transition to a full-time scientist role
About Us
Hexembio Inc. is a venture-backed biotechnology startup at the forefront of regenerative medicine, based at the Bakar BioEnginuity Hub in Berkeley. We are leveraging breakthroughs in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, nd synthetic biology to develop novel therapies for age-related degeneration. Our current pipeline targets hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging and its systemic impact on skin regeneration, inflammation, and immunosenescence.
We’re looking for an ambitious and curious postdoctoral fellow to join our founding scientific team and help build the next generation of rejuvenation biotechnologies.
Position Overview
As a postdoctoral fellow, you will work at the intersection of stem cell aging and cutaneous biology, investigating HSC and skin degeneration and exploring interventional strategies to restore youthful function. You’ll be part of a dynamic startup environment where your work directly influences platform development, IP generation, and future product pipelines.
This is an ideal role for someone excited about translational science, with an eye toward a future in biotech R&D or startup innovation.
Responsibilities
Design and conduct experiments to characterize the aging phenotype of adult bone marrow-derived HSCs and their secretomes.
Investigate the impact of aged vs. rejuvenated HSCs on dermal remodeling, immune tone, and fibroblast/keratinocyte behavior using co-culture and in vivo models.
Collaborate with tissue engineers and molecular biologists to test HSC-derived factors or cell therapies in models of skin aging and wound healing.
Perform single-cell RNA-seq, cytokine profiling, and functional assays to map cellular interactions between HSCs and skin-resident cells.
Develop and validate assays for screening rejuvenation interventions (e.g., small molecules, gene modulation, or engineered exosomes).
Contribute to data analysis, IP filings, and scientific presentations.
Present internally and externally (including at scientific meetings, investor pitch sessions, and partner briefings).
Qualifications
Required:
Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology, Immunology, Regenerative Medicine, or a related field with proven track record of success including high impact publications.
Expertise in hematopoietic stem cell isolation, characterization, and functional assays.
Familiarity with skin biology, dermal cell types, and aging-related pathways.
Strong hands-on experience in flow cytometry, cell culture, and molecular biology.
Self-driven, collaborative, and comfortable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
Bonus Points For:
Experience with epigenetic reprogramming, exosome isolation, or bioengineered matrices.
Familiarity with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics.
Industry internship or startup experience.
Interest in entrepreneurship, translational research, and working across disciplines.
What We Offer
Competitive salary and compensation.
Close mentorship from founding scientists and scientific advisors.
Hands-on exposure to the biotech startup ecosystem through Bakar Labs resources.
Career development opportunities and support transitioning into industry scientist roles or startup leadership.
A mission-driven culture focused on science that matters.
Please send a CV, a brief statement of research interests and career goals, and contact information for 2-3
references to samira.k@hexemb.io. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
