Senior Scientist II, Functional Genomics

Company: Ginkgo Datapoints

Reports To: Vice President, Datapoints Engineering

About Ginkgo Datapoints: Ginkgo Datapoints, a newly established business unit within Ginkgo Bioworks, is poised to usher in the coming era of AI-backed biotechnology breakthroughs. By leveraging Ginkgo's state-of-the-art automation and digital infrastructure, Datapoints aims to address the growing demand for high-quality, large-scale biological datasets essential for training AI models in drug discovery and development. Unlock AI to unlock biology.

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist II of Functional Genomics to join our wet-lab team within Ginkgo Datapoints. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mammalian cell engineering and high throughput screening, with multiple years of industry experience in in-vitro drug discovery. This role requires a self-starter with a “can-do” attitude, superior project management skills, technical expertise, and the ability to get things done.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and optimize biochemical and cellular assays with a high-throughput screening mindset


2. Execute chemical and genetic screens with a focus on CRISPR based transfection using multiple delivery methods with transcriptomics and phenotypic readouts


3. Engage with multidisciplinary teams to design, execute, analyze, document experiments and communicate results in internal and external settings


4. Analyze and interpret results that guide i) future experimental design, and ii) foster continuous improvements in workflows with a focus on scalability and reliability


5. Partner with technical leads to improve/add capabilities - e.g., design experiments that allow Ginkgo Datapoints to create biologically relevant datasets


6. Partner with the computational biology and AI team to execute targeted data generation campaigns to enable AI model development


7. Ensure Ginkgo Datapoints leverages the latest advancements in cellular biology, including fostering collaborations with external partners and suppliers


8. Increase Ginkgo Datapoints' brand awareness and credibility by speaking at conferences and contributing to publishing high-impact papers


9. Lead and mentor a team of scientists and research associates to deliver for both internal and customer programs


10. Engage with customers to scope projects, serve as a subject matter expert in areas such as genetic perturbations, high throughput screening, and assay development.


11. Establish detailed capability roadmap outlining future technical work and milestones, and partner with the product manager to ensure successful execution of the product roadmap.

Minimum Requirements

• Masters  in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering or related fields with 10+ years of hands-on research experience in mammalian cell biology and biochemistry or a PhD and 8+ years.


• Experience with advanced cellular models (i.e., iPSC derived cells, with a focus in neuroscience, immunology, and cardiometabolic areas)


• Extensive experience in biochemical and cellular assay development, high-throughput screening, automation, and high content imaging..


• Strong technical expertise in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques including transfection, viral transduction, Western blotting, and CRISPR.


• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental results with the goal to guide future experiments and better understand MoA and disease biology


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Strong publication record

Why Join Ginkgo Datapoints:

• Be part of a pioneering company at the cutting edge of AI/ML, automation, functional genomics, and drug discovery.


• Work with a talented and passionate team dedicated to conducting forward-looking innovative science that pushes technical boundaries. 


• Opportunity to shape the future of Datapoints business with a wide-reach and exposure across the industry.


• Competitive compensation, generous equity in a public company, and robust benefits package.