2026 PhD Residency - Applied Biology for Advanced Biological Platforms, Early Stage Project

InternshipMountain View, CA

Project Goal:

This residency focuses on bridging the gap between fundamental cellular biophysics and advanced biological engineering. By leveraging breakthrough techniques in stem cell differentiation and 3D tissue morphogenesis, we aim to develop high-fidelity biological systems that offer radical new insights into human biology. You will help bridge the gap between benchtop discovery and engineerable biological platforms, creating models that move us closer to understanding complex human responses without the limitations of traditional animal models.

How you will make 10x impact:

  • Collaborate on the development and optimization of complex biological platforms that utilize high-fidelity 3D human tissue models to improve the predictability of biological responses.
  • Independently design and execute experiments focusing on the maintenance of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their directed differentiation into specialized lineages, such as cardiac and stromal cell types.
  • Perform and refine protocols for the generation of complex, self-organizing microtissues, including cardioids and branched organoids—utilizing advanced scaffolding and self-forming hydrogel techniques.
  • Analyze cellular phenotypes and maturation states through a combination of high-content imaging, genomic, and transcriptomic methodologies to ensure model robustness.
  • Investigate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions within microphysiological environments, identifying key mechanical and biochemical cues that steer tissue development.
  • Develop robust lab documentation and standardized protocols to transition bench-scale biological breakthroughs into reliable, reproducible platform components within scalable, standardized processes for the Moonshot Factory.

This project aims to push the limits of science and modeling as we know them and to prove how ML can radically accelerate our understanding of the world

  • Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
  • Start Date(s): Flexible, Spring/Summer 2026
  • Duration: a flexible 4 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability

Throughout your AI Residency you can expect:

  • To be embedded into one of our confidential or public X projects
  • To get paid competitively and receive benefits
  • To be a part of a lively community of AI and ML Residents
  • To attend tech-talks with AI leaders from across X

What you should have:

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • Strong hands-on experience in human iPSC culture and the use of directed differentiation protocols to generate functional 3D tissue models.
  • Experience in genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and establishing stable, genetically modified iPSC lines
  • Familiarity with characterizing organoid maturation, including evaluating structural complexity, polarization, and lineage-specific biomarkers.
  • Proficiency in modern molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting) and confocal imaging to assess cellular states.
  • Expertise in microfabrication techniques for complex tissue engineering (e.g. Microfluidic, Bioprinting)
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, rapid-prototyping environment where learning from experimental failure is part of the engineering process.

It’d be great if you also had these:

  • Understanding of microfluidic systems and how mechanical forces influence the remodeling of engineered tissues.
  • Experience using AI/ML platforms to interpret complex biological datasets or correlate tissue microstructure with phenotypic responses.

Additional public information:

https://www.wired.com/video/watch/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x-speaks-at-wired25

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-10-10/alphabet-x-s-astro-teller-on-bloomberg-studio-1-0-video

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $129,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include benefits.

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