Scientist II​/Sr. Scientist, Functional Genomics

Light Horse Therapeutics is a small molecule drug discovery company based in San Diego, employing tools from chemical and computational biology, in conjunction with precision genome editing to identify functional/ ligandable sites on high value targets for therapeutic intervention. Light Horse Therapeutics was founded by leading academics Brian Liau (Harvard), Ben Cravatt (Scripps) and Nathanael Gray (Stanford) with initial financial backing from Versant Ventures and Mubadala Capital and from three strategic investors:
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Taiho Ventures, and Abb Vie Ventures. In 2025, Light Horse entered a strategic collaboration with Novartis to identify and develop potentially first-in-class therapeutics. We are a mission-driven, scientifically rigorous team committed to transforming cancer treatment by developing first-in-class therapies.

Light Horse Therapeutics is seeking a talented, highly motivated, innovative and experienced scientist to join the Functional Genomics Group. Reporting to the Head of Functional Genomics, the candidate will primarily contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of CRISPR-based gene editing screens to study novel oncology and non-oncology targets. They will also conduct mechanistic experiments to validate newly discovered functional sites and contribute to the design of chemical campaigns aimed at identifying chemical matter targeting these sites.

The candidate will have opportunities to be part of cross-functional teams that advance our drug development programs. The candidate will also be encouraged to contribute new ideas and strategies for platform development, drug discovery, and the study of target biology.

• Design and execute CRISPR-based mutagenesis screens using state-of-the-art technologies
• Design, execute, and analyze target and site validation studies in disease-relevant preclinical models
• Develop new CRISPR screening formats and new cell-based assays, directly contributing to the expansion of Light Horse gene editing toolbox
• Work closely with computational biology for the design and analysis of CRISPR screens and innovation of computational tools
• Stay abreast of the literature and pro-actively contribute insights into current programs and identify new opportunities
• Position primarily requires benchwork responsibilities with full time onsite presence
• Present results regularly at team meetings in informative well-structured presentations
• Perform diligent and timely note-keeping and work process tracking using electronic notebook
• Communicate science and strategy effectively in internal meetings and prepare written reports of data and literature analyses

• PhD in a biological science with 4+ years of experience (industry preferred) with a strong publication record
• Proficiency in mammalian cell line culture, especially large-scale projects
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques, including RNA and DNA preparation, analysis of proteins by immunoprecipitation and western blotting, mammalian cell line transfection
• Track record of being able to work independently, troubleshoot, and create new workflows, while also being able to work productively within teams in a matrix environment
• Excellent technical laboratory skills
• Scientifically creative, embracing innovation in a fast-paced high energy environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to details in documenting, executing, and analyzing experiments
• Flexibility and eagerness to tackle new tasks and challenges, and meet aggressive timelines

• Experience with large scale functional genomics experiments, including CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis screens
• Experience with lentivirus production, infection, and selection
• Experience constructing next generation sequencing libraries
• Experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation including, plate readers, flow cytometers, incucyte, epifluorescence microscopes
• Experience with workflows for analyzing NGS data
• Background in cancer biology

At Light Horse, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work with world-class founders and scientists on some of the most challenging and rewarding problems in drug discovery.
• Shape the trajectory of a rapidly growing biotech at the forefront of chemical biology and precision therapeutics.
• Be a core contributor in a mission-driven team passionate about developing life- saving medicines.

We offer a competitive total compensation package, as well as working in a supportive team environment.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $120,000 to $180,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.