Founding Scientist — Next-Gen Anti-Aging Biotech Location: Tokyo, Japan (hybrid opportunity) Type: Full-Time | On-site | Founding Team Seniority: Executive | Science Leadership About the Company About Us We are an ambitious, early-stage biotech company based in Tokyo on a mission to develop the world’s most advanced anti-aging therapeutics by integrating cutting-edge biology and AI. Our R&D strategy is platform-agnostic—we explore and combine the most promising approaches including: Partial cellular reprogramming In vivo gene delivery (SPIT, SEND, AAV, LNPs) CRISPR/Cas9 and base/prime editing AI-driven discovery and optimization tools We’re looking for a visionary, highly capable Founding Scientist to serve as the technical driver and R&D lead of our program in Tokyo. Role Overview You will spearhead development of a first-in-class rejuvenation platform, exploring and optimizing delivery of reprogramming or editing tools to aged tissues (e.g., skin, muscle, liver, brain). You’ll test multiple technologies (OSKM, SPIT, SEND, CRISPR) and use AI/ML models to guide gene selection, delivery system design, and outcome prediction. This is a high-impact role with significant autonomy and leadership potential. Key Responsibilities Develop and test in vivo and in vitro anti therapies using OSKM, CRISPR, or related tools Engineer and evaluate novel gene delivery systems (e.g., SPIT, SEND, LNPs, AAV) for safe and effective payload transfer Design cyclic reprogramming protocols to induce rejuvenation without dedifferentiation Apply or integrate machine learning tools for: - Vector optimization Rejuvenation biomarker predictionEpigenetic clock regression Conduct aging-related phenotyping: epigenetic clocks, senescence, mitochondrial assays, transcriptomics Validate anti-aging therapies in human cells and aged animal models Contribute to IP filings, early grant applications, and technical white papers Ideal Qualifications Must-Have: PhD, MD/PhD, or strong MS in Molecular Biology, Aging Biology, Genetic Engineering, Synthetic Biology, or similar Proven experience in anti-aging, reprogramming, or regenerative medicine Practical knowledge of gene delivery platforms like AAV, LNPs, VLPs, or CRISPR delivery tools Skilled in wet-lab molecular biology: cloning, qPCR, microscopy, immunostaining, viral packaging Comfortable independently driving full R&D projects (a one-person lab setup) Demonstrated use of machine learning, AI, or bioinformatics for biological problem-solving Bonus: Expe rience with SPIT, SEND, OSKM, base editing, or CRISPRa/i systems Familiarity with high-throughput screening, RNA-seq, or single-cell data Prior startup, stealth biotech, or venture-backed project experience What We Offer Full relocation support and visa sponsorship for candidates moving to Japan Founding-level equity + milestone-based compensation Creative freedom to shape a truly novel anti-aging platform Access to top advisors in gene therapy, aging, and computational biology Opportunity to grow into a CSO, VP R&D, or scientific co-founder role Work in Tokyo, a global hub for biotech innovation, with flexibility for hybrid or remote work