insitro

The Opportunity

Machine learning integrated with biology at scale lies at the core of insitro’s approach to rethinking drug discovery and development. As our scientist arrayed screening you will help us to build and operate a medium to high-throughput screening function, suitable for conducting cell-based screening at scale on intelligently chosen collections of molecules. You will work closely with our Data Engineering, Process Engineering, Machine Learning, Functional Genomcis and Disease Modeling Teams team to devise high-content screening protocols employing both imaging and transcriptomic modalities. You will guide selection of the necessary capital infrastructure to conduct these screens in a highly automated environment. You will bring industry-leading expertise to bear on the challenges of conducting phenotypic, and occasionally biochemical screens, across a multitude of cell-types, assay conditions, and therapeutic areas. You will have demonstrated your ability to work in a highly cross-disciplinary, fast-moving and fluid environment and consistently deliver high quality data that has driven drug discovery projects forward. You will possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, an ability to lead cross-functionally, a strong collaborative work ethic, ability to adapt to changing needs, and the capacity to multitask to meet key goals. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential to success in this position.

Specifically, you will:

• Design phenotypic screening protocols for complex, cell-based assays using leading edge, high-content readouts
• Work closely with relevant departments to ensure quality, reproducibility and relevance of data generation
• Conduct cellular screens at scale, using both image-based and transcriptomic readouts, as well as other readouts, as needed
• Trouble-shoot and solve problems related to, batch effects, imaging protocol selection, cell-line scale up, cell- and compound-dispensing, data acquisition and instrument scheduling
• Drive improvements in our overall process, finding efficiencies at every stage of our screening pipeline
• Work closely with our functional genomics team to secure synergies across our molecular and genetic screening initiatives
• Partner with our Data Science/Machine Learning teams to optimize image analysis strategies and model building
• Identify and onboard new screening strategies and methodologies which could advance insitro’s capabilities

You will be joining the founding team of a biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, but yet is very much in formation. Much can change in this early and exciting phase, providing many opportunities for significant impact. You will work closely with an exceptionally 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

• Ph.D. in a Biology or Bioengineering discipline, or equivalent experience
• B.S./M.S and at least 10 years or PhD and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or at an academic screening center
• An outstanding scientific track record in your area of expertise
• Deep understanding of cell-biology, as applied to drug discovery
• Direct experience of building, scaling and operating high-content cell-based imaging platforms
• Expertise in microscopy and/or transcriptomics, developing and implementing new technologies
• Familiarity with advanced image and data analysis methods and approach
• Experience in conducting multiple phenotypic screens across a wide variety of cell types and therapeutic areas
• Familiarity with liquid handling and automation  
• Strong team/collaborative skills
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A desire to transform drug discovery and help patients

Nice to Have

• A demonstrated expertise in scientific programming (e.g., Python, Java, C++, SVL) with practical application of these skills is a strong plus
• Familiarity with cloud computing services (AWS)

 

Benefits at insitro

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Open vacation policy
• Team lunches (catered daily)
• Commuter benefits
• Paid parental leave

About insitro

insitro is a data-driven drug discovery and development company using machine learning and high-throughput biology to transform the way that drugs are discovered and delivered to patients. The company is applying state-of-the-art technologies from bioengineering to create massive data sets that enable the power of modern machine learning methods to be brought to bear on key bottlenecks in pharmaceutical R&D. The resulting predictive models are used to accelerate target selection, to design and develop effective therapeutics, and to inform clinical strategy. insitro was launched in 2018 with a Series A of $100M funded by top investors including a16z, Arch Venture Partners, Foresite Capital, GV, and Third Rock Ventures. In 2019 the company announced a collaboration with Gilead Sciences in the area of NASH, a collaboration with BMS in the area of ALS, and in mid 2020, announced a Series B financing of $143M including current investors and new investors Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), T. Rowe Price, BlackRock, Casdin Capital and other leading investors. The company is located in South San Francisco, CA. For more information about insitro, please visit the company’s website at www.insitro.com