About the role
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 Senior Scientist at e184 Artificial Womb, you will lead the development of engineered tissue systems designed to support placental development through controlled vascularization and maternal–fetal interface modeling. Your work will focus on building vascularized culture platforms that integrate trophoblast stem cell models, placental organoids, and endothelial cells to recreate the structural and signaling environments required for placental formation and function.
You will drive experimental strategy from system design through biological validation, working closely with developmental biologists, biomaterials scientists, and engineering teams to translate principles of tissue engineering into functional platforms for ex utero gestation. This is a highly hands-on leadership role for a scientist experienced in vascularized tissue models who is excited to work at the intersection of tissue engineering and developmental biology in a fast-moving startup environment where engineered systems directly enable biological discovery.
What you'll do
- Engineer vascularized tissue systems: Design and develop platforms that promote formation and maturation of engineered vasculature to support placental tissue development and function.
- Build placental development models: Establish and optimize co-culture systems integrating trophoblast stem cells, placental organoids, and endothelial cells to model maternal–fetal interface biology.
- Guide vascular patterning and function: Develop strategies to control angiogenesis, perfusion, and endothelial–trophoblast interactions that drive tissue organization and nutrient exchange.
- Integrate biomaterials and perfusion systems: Collaborate with biomaterials and engineering teams to incorporate hydrogels, scaffolds, and perfusion interfaces that enable long-term tissue viability.
- Characterize tissue structure and function: Apply imaging, histology, molecular profiling, and functional assays to evaluate vascular development, trophoblast differentiation, and placental maturation.
- Drive iterative platform development: Translate biological outcomes into engineering improvements through rapid experimental iteration and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Core requirements
- PhD in Tissue Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Developmental Biology, or a related field with postdoctoral experience, or 7+ years of relevant industry or academic experience
- Demonstrated expertise in tissue engineering and 3D culture system development
- Experience engineering or studying vascularized tissues or angiogenesis in vitro
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and complex co-culture systems
- Strong understanding of endothelial biology and vascular development
- Experience designing and executing independent experimental programs
- Ability to lead technically complex projects in interdisciplinary environments
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative startup environment
You'll stand out with
- Experience working with trophoblast stem cells, placental organoids, or placental biology models
- Expertise in vascular patterning, perfusion culture, or microvascular engineering
- Experience integrating engineered tissues with biomaterials or hydrogel systems
- Hands-on histology and advanced imaging experience for 3D tissue characterization
- Experience with angiogenic signaling pathways and endothelial–epithelial interactions
- Familiarity with microfluidic or perfusion-based tissue culture platforms
- Experience translating engineered tissue models into functional biological systems
- Prior startup 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 match
- 20 days PTO + 11 paid holidays