(Associate) Scientist, Biomarker Screening Assays

The Opportunity
The heart of insitro’s strategy is the development of novel, cutting edge methods in machine learning and high-throughput biology that address key bottlenecks in the drug development pipeline. To accomplish that, we are putting together a team of life scientists with cutting-edge cellular and technological expertise. As an (Associate) Scientist, you will assist in the design, execution and scale-up of cellular based assays to contribute to the building of our biomarker target assessment platform. In this role, you will lead projects focused on monitoring inflammation, cell death and metabolism using in vitro liver and neurological disease models for . You will help define the unmet needs for cross-functional workflows and will establish/execute processes that will enable insitro’s platform to operate successfully with regard to target assessment. This role provides the opportunity to collaborate with a highly talented multidisciplinary team as you develop cutting-edge activities in a state-of-the-art environment with the aim to accelerate machine learning based drug discoveries. Additional responsibilities include close partnership with our data and process engineering teams to drive the integration of cellular-based screening assays into semi-automated pipelines. 

Your primary duties will be to: 
- Work with cross-functional teams to define/execute cell-based assays for target assessment, validation and biomarker screening of in vitro models for multiple therapeutic areas (i.e. liver and CNS), including sub-population isolations or functional assays; 
- Lead new efforts for the optimization, transfer and troubleshooting of best-class screening assays from small scale to HTS format
- Assist with instrument and workflows supervision, SOP / QC documentation of our growing equipment park
- Identify and troubleshoot problems that may adversely affect test performance/results, record corrective actions as appropriate in accordance to team requirements
- Provide expert knowledge and assistance for research experimental design and data handling related to cross-functional programs/teams, present findings and make recommendations to project teams
- Work closely with automation and bioinformatics experts to implement robust and high throughput sample preparation, high content screening and analysis workflows
- Partner with data scientists and machine learning experts to establish biomarker markers derived datasets that permit identification of predictors to be apply on disease-specific assays; 
- Familiarity with iPSC derived cells is a plus You will be joining a biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, but yet is very much in formation. A lot can change in this early and exciting phase, providing many opportunities for significant 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., M.S. or recent PhD in a technical field (immunology, proteomics, pharmacology) or equivalent practical experience
- Broad experience with state-of-the-art cell analysis technologies applied in primary and immortalized human cells from multiple lineages (i.e. iPSCs, immune cells); 
- High bench experience using cell-based assays for standardized biomarkers discovery and/or drug screening approaches applied to biomedical or preclinical research projects;
- Knowledge and practical experience performing enzymatic/immunoassays, molecular techniques, flow cytometry and associated analytical tools for multi-dimensional data processing and presentation
- Clear communication and teaching skills, with the ability to become a cross-functional point of contact for both experienced and novice users;
- Strong mindset around sample/data tracking, capture, organization; experience with electronic tools would be a plus (i.e. ELN, bio registry software)
- Experience collaborating with data scientists or computational biologists, engineers and/or experimental biologists;
- Experience working as part of a high-performance team, including goal setting, and contributing to a culture of effective, high-quality methods development and reducing those methods to a practical implementation;
- Demonstrates independence and adaptability in front of multiple demands and rapid changes;
- Familiarity with automated instrumentation and associated coding language, while not required, would be a plus for future implementations, 
- Other criteria will include: a record of publications in a relevant scientific discipline; excellent teamwork, communication, time management and organization skills
- Passion for making a difference in the world 


Benefits at insitro
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; insitro pays 100% of premiums for employees
- Excellent mental health and well-being support
- Open vacation policy
- Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast
- Access to free onsite fitness center
- Commuter benefits
- Paid parental leave
- Competitive pay and 401(k) matching

About insitro
insitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning and data generation at scale to transform the way that drugs are discovered and delivered to patients. We rely on human genetic cohorts, human-derived cellular disease models, and high-throughput biology and chemistry to identify coherent patient segments, actionable therapeutic targets, and new or existing chemical matter. The goal is to deliver predictive insights to improve the probability of success and reduce the number of costly dead ends along the R&D journey. The company has established enabling collaborations with Gilead in NASH and Bristol Myers Squibb in ALS and is building a pipeline of wholly owned and partnered medicines leveraging its unique insights on patient biomarkers, targets, and molecules. insitro is located in South San Francisco, CA and has raised over $600M from top tech, biotech, and crossover investors since formation in 2018. For more information on insitro, please visit the company’s website at www.insitro.com.