Scientist About us e184 is a biotechnology research company dedicated to overcoming the limits of human biology. One of our programs in reproductive technologies develops ectogenesis - the ability to support human development outside the body - to expand reproductive freedom and redefine what is possible in medicine. Our mission is to remove the biological constraints that limit who can safely carry a pregnancy, enabling new pathways to parenthood for individuals facing medical risk, infertility, or physiological barriers to gestation. We operate at the intersection of biology, engineering, and computational science, building integrated platforms that combine advanced tissue models, adaptive culture systems, and automated experimental workflows to understand and recreate the conditions required for healthy human gestation beyond the uterus.
Role overview:
As a Scientist at e184, you will lead research aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern implantation and peri-implantation development. Your work will focus on developing and applying advanced endometrial model systems to identify the signaling, structural, and physiological interactions that enable successful embryo-maternal communication. Working closely with developmental biologists, engineers, and computational scientists, you will design experiments that translate fundamental reproductive biology into experimentally testable systems that inform platform development for ex utero gestation. This is a highly hands-on role for a scientist with deep expertise in endometrial biology who is excited to apply mechanistic insight toward building next-generation reproductive technologies in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.
What you'll do:- Develop endometrial model systems: Establish, optimize, and maintain in vitro endometrial models, including primary cells, organoids, or engineered tissue systems that recapitulate peri-implantation physiology.
- Investigate implantation mechanisms: Design and execute experiments to identify molecular pathways regulating embryo attachment, invasion, decidualization, and early maternal-fetal signaling.
- Characterize cellular and molecular responses: Apply imaging, histology, transcriptomics, and molecular assays to evaluate endometrial receptivity, cellular differentiation, and tissue remodeling.
- Define embryo–endometrium interactions: Develop assays to study signaling and structural interactions during implantation and early development, integrating biological findings into experimental platform design.
- Integrate multi-modal datasets: Analyze and interpret molecular, imaging, and functional data to generate mechanistic insight and guide experimental iteration.
- Collaborate across disciplines: Partner with embryology, bioengineering, and computational teams to translate biological findings into design requirements for experimental systems supporting early development.
- Core requirements:
- PhD in Reproductive Biology, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or 5+ years of relevant academic or industry experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in endometrial biology, implantation biology, or maternal–fetal interface research.
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and endometrial model systems (primary cells, stromal/epithelial co-culture, or organoids).Strong understanding of decidualization, endometrial receptivity, and peri-implantation developmental processes.
- Experience designing and executing mechanistic biological experiments independently.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to experimental rigor.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Enthusiasm for mission-driven science within a fast-paced startup setting.
- You'll stand out with:
- Experience working with human endometrial organoids or advanced in vitro implantation models.
- Expertise in hormone-responsive endometrial systems and decidualization assays.
- Hands-on histology experience, including tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and microscopy-based analysis.
- Experience with transcriptomics, single-cell sequencing, or spatial omics approaches.
- Background studying embryo–maternal signaling pathways or early placentation.
- Experience integrating molecular datasets with functional developmental outcomes.
- Prior startup, translational research, or early-stage technology development experience.
- Why e184?Unrivaled impact: Your work directly enables technology that transforms human fertility and reproductive medicine.
- Full-spectrum growth: Gain exposure to the entire lifecycle of discovery. From screening to mechanistic validation.
- Best of both worlds: Experience the creative chaos of an early-stage startup with the stability of a well-capitalized company.
- Elite collaboration: Work alongside a world-class team who are as driven as you are.
- The perks:
- Competitive salary + equity participation is considered
- State-of-the-art facility in Portland metro area
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match20 days PTO + 11 paid holidays
Disclaimer:
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of e184.
