Associate Scientist III

insitro•South San Francisco, CA

8d•$126,000 - $129,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Insitro, Inc. is seeking an Associate Scientist III in South San Francisco, CA. This role involves onboarding new cell models and developing quality control metrics for automated high-throughput arrayed genetic and compounding cell-screening assays suitable for downstream machine learning based discovery. The position requires preparing, optimizing, and implementing real-time qPCR assays to support comprehensive target validation screenings by measuring knockdown efficiency, generating dose-response curves, and screening compound inhibitors. The scientist will apply advanced perturbation techniques such as RNA interference, CRISPR-based gene editing, and small molecule modulation to ensure assay fidelity, confirm target engagement, and generate robust, precise data for evaluating gene silencing effectiveness and compound efficacy. Leveraging on-flight QC and advanced Python-based data analysis to systematically assess assay performance, ensuring data quality and reproducibility for high-throughput screening, and driving insights into new assay development is crucial. The role includes independently troubleshooting and characterizing assay performance issues, optimizing key parameters, and informing critical decisions. Findings and data-driven recommendations will be presented to cross-functional teams to facilitate strategic improvements in assay design and execution. The position also involves developing confocal imaging experiments that result in high-content imaging data and performing in-house image analyses for assay characterization. Metadata registration and maintaining thorough documentation within electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) are required to ensure data traceability and compliance. Leading the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), while upholding all laboratory safety protocols and training standards to support operational excellence is expected. Designing and developing innovative assay readout panels, incorporating advanced techniques and methodologies to enhance the sensitivity, accuracy, and scalability of screening assays, ensuring the new panels meet the specific requirements of ongoing research and facilitating high-quality data generation is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Biotechnology, or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in a related occupation.
OR Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, or a related field plus five (5) years of progressive experience in a related occupation.
Two (2) years of experience in designing and conducting hypothesis-driven experiments including constructing statistical models for Design of Experiment based analysis.
Two (2) years of experience conducting data driven analysis of point of failures in experiments using Python.
Two (2) years of experience with medium/high-throughput cell-based screening assays (96/384-well format) for phenotype screening or compound screening on human stem cells, iPSC cells or primary cells.
Two (2) years of experience executing cell screening assays including developing fluorescence- and absorbance-based assays using instruments such as the Tecan Spark or high-content confocal imaging Opera Phenix Plus HCS system.
Two (2) years of experience creating protocols for automated liquid handling systems including the Agilent BioTek EL406 and HAMILTON platforms.
Two (2) years of experience performing QC metrics and performing data analysis to validate assay reproducibility and quality.
Two (2) years of experience using molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis.
Two (2) years of experience performing DNA and RNA extractions using Qiagen kits, running qPCR on the QuantStudio system, designing experiments, preparing samples with custom probes, analyzing data outputs, and evaluating the effects of drug treatments.
Two (2) years of experience culturing human stem cells, iPSC cells, or primary cells.

Responsibilities

Onboarding new cell models and developing quality control metrics for automated high-throughput arrayed genetic and compounding cell-screening assays.
Preparing, optimizing, and implementing real-time qPCR assays to support comprehensive target validation screenings.
Applying advanced perturbation techniques (RNA interference, CRISPR-based gene editing, small molecule modulation) to ensure assay fidelity and confirm target engagement.
Leveraging on-flight QC and advanced Python-based data analysis to assess assay performance and ensure data quality.
Troubleshooting and characterizing assay performance issues, optimizing parameters, and informing decisions.
Presenting findings and data-driven recommendations to cross-functional teams.
Developing confocal imaging experiments and performing in-house image analyses.
Registering metadata and maintaining thorough documentation within electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
Leading the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Upholding all laboratory safety protocols and training standards.
Designing and developing innovative assay readout panels to enhance sensitivity, accuracy, and scalability.

Benefits

Annual Performance Bonus Plan
Equity Incentive Plan
401(k) plan with employer matching
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Mental health and well-being support
Open, flexible vacation policy
Paid parental leave of at least 16 weeks for birth parents, and 10 weeks for new parents
Quarterly budget for books and online courses
New hire stipend for home office setup
Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
Access to free onsite baristas
Daily lunch for onsite or hybrid employees
Access to a free commuter bus network