The Opportunity
Machine learning integrated with biology at scale lies at the core of insitro’s approach to rethinking drug discovery and development. As Pooled Cellular Screening Associate Scientist, you will run the daily operations of some of insitro’s unique industrial-scale, productionized platforms, working side-by-side with fellow insitro scientists and engineers to answer key biological questions. You will incorporate techniques and technologies from the fields of automation, microscopy, genetic perturbation, high throughput screening, human pluripotent stem cells, and functional genomics. You will work closely with our Advanced Cellular Technologies, Data Science, Automation Engineering, Machine Learning, Stem Cell Biology and Therapeutic Area Teams to run advanced, large-scale genetic screens, playing a critical role in achieving insitro’s goal of quantifying biology and curing disease.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated an ability to perform independent troubleshooting on complex biological assays, to work in a highly cross-disciplinary, fast-paced and fluid environment, and to consistently deliver high quality data to drive platform projects forward. You possess a strong collaborative work ethic, ability to adapt to changing needs, and the capacity to multitask to meet key goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, and is able to run projects in a timely manner while maintaining high data standards. Strong communication and presentation skills are crucial to success in this position.
Specifically, you will:
- Conduct the daily operations of one of insitro’s industry-leading genetic screening platforms
- Work closely with other Advanced Cellular Technology Group scientists to design and carry out complex, large-scale pooled genetic screens
- Conduct frequent QC on the system, working closely with automation and data engineers to ensure system integrity and data quality
- Document projects thoroughly, using insitro’s electronic lab notebook (ELN) system- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing when necessary
- Culture iPSCs and iPSC-derived cell types- Conduct molecular biology steps (plasmid cloning, PCR, RNAseq, lentivirus packaging) necessary to achieve high-throughput pooled screens
- Trouble-shoot and solve problems related to cell culture, differentiation, pooled screening, gene editing, optics, and lab automation
You will be joining a biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, providing many opportunities for substantial impact. You will work closely with a very talented team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape insitro’s culture, strategic direction, and outcomes. Join us, and help make a difference to patients!
About You
- B.S. in a biological science, biomedical engineering, or equivalent focus
- Relevant lab experience with fluorescence microscopy, molecular and cellular biology
- A "rolled-up sleeves" attitude, willing to personally run operations in-lab to conduct critical experiments for insitro’s drug discovery pipelines
- Ability to handle complex projects and remain organized in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent record-keeping in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and experiment tracking
- Strong team/collaborative skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A desire to transform drug discovery and help patients
Nice to Have
- 2+ years industry experience, or MS in one of the above focus areas
- Familiarity with iPSC culture, gene editing, lab automation, scRNAseq, and/or image analysis
- A demonstrated expertise in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., Python, R) with practical application of these skills is a strong plus
- Familiarity with the application of data science / ML techniques towards data analysis
Compensation & Benefits at insitro
Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $70,000 - $100,000. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate’s skills, education and experience, the level at which they are actually hired,market demand, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data.
This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Performance Bonus Plan (based on company targets by role level and annual company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies.
In addition, insitro also provides our employees:
- 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage (insitro pays 100% of premiums for employees), as well as mental health and well-being support
- Open, flexible vacation policy
- Paid parental leave
- Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development
- Support to occasionally attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and development
- New hire stipend for home office setup
- Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
- Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast
- Access to free onsite fitness center
- Commuter benefits
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insitro is a data-driven drug discovery and development company using machine learning and data at scale to transform the way that drugs are discovered and developed for patients. insitro is developing predictive machine learning models to discover underlying biologic state based on human cohort data and in-house generated cellular data at scale. These predictive models can be brought to bear on key bottlenecks in pharmaceutical R&D to advance novel targets and patient biomarkers, design therapeutics, and inform clinical strategy. insitro is advancing a wholly owned and partnered pipeline of biologic insights and molecules in neuroscience and metabolic diseases. Since formation in mid 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million from top tech, biotech, and crossover investors and from collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. For more information on insitro, please visit the company’s website at
www.insitro.com.
