Senior Engineer 1

Here at Ginkgo, we are aiming to modernize ADME by bringing our experience in high-throughput screening to the in vitro small molecule drug pipeline. We are re-imagining ADME at scale, and we are seeking a visionary and technically adept High-Throughput ADME Scientist to help us build and execute this next-generation platform. This role is critical in accelerating our drug discovery pipeline by providing timely and high-quality in vitro ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) data to guide lead optimization.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in developing, validating, and implementing a variety of high-throughput ADME assays.

Key Responsibilities

Assay Development & Implementation

• Design, develop, optimize, and validate a wide array of high-throughput in vitro ADME assays (e.g., solubility, MDCK permeability, plasma protein binding, microsomal stability, hepatocyte stability, and CYP inhibition/induction).
• Automation and Screening: Experience working with automated liquid handlers such as Hamilton, Lynx, Bravo, and Formulatrix.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop and perform mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, acoustic ejection mass spectrometry, or similar) analysis of samples from ADME assays. Responsibilities will include method development and troubleshooting.
• Ensure proper sample preparation and management for high-throughput analysis.
• Analyze, interpret, and report complex ADME data, including calculating key pharmacokinetic parameters.
• Present results and provide expert recommendations to medicinal chemists and project teams to inform go/no-go decisions.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, SOPs, and electronic notebooks.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with internal quality standards and safety regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or a Master's degree with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Extensive, hands-on experience with LC-MS or acoustic MS particularly in a high-throughput setting.
  • Proven track record in developing and running automated in vitro ADME assays using state-of-the-art laboratory automation.
  • Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of drug metabolism pathways and DMPK.
  • Familiarity with common ADME prediction software and data visualization tools.

 Preferred Skills

• Experience using lab automation.
• Programmatic coding experience (e.g., Python, R, or similar).
• Data visualization (Spotfire, Python, R, or similar).
• Experience handling clinical samples.
• Familiarity with working in a CRO (Contract Research Organization) environment or managing CRO relationships.
• Proficiency with electronic laboratory data capture systems (e.g., LIMS, ELN).