Drug Discovery Scientist, Translational Science

Algen is an AI-native precision medicine company harnessing the power of CRISPR and functional genomics to transform drug discovery and development. A spin-out from the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Professor Jennifer Doudna, Algen was founded at the forefront of gene-editing innovation. We combine cutting-edge CRISPR technologies with advanced AI approaches to systematically modulate disease biology at scale and accelerate the path to effective treatments.

Join us in redefining what's possible in AI-powered drug discovery.

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Scientist to support drug discovery and translational science s is a primarily bench-based role for a scientist with a PhD and 2–3 years, or an MS and 5–6 years, of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience and a strong track record of generating high-quality experimental data to advance drug discovery programs.

The successful candidate will develop and execute biochemical, cell-based, and mechanistic assays to support target validation, hit identification, hit-to-lead progression, lead optimization, and development candidate selection. Working closely with medicinal chemistry and cross-functional colleagues, this scientist will connect compound activity to target biology, mechanism of action, and translationally relevant readouts.

• Optimize, troubleshoot, and execute biochemical and cell-based assays to assess compound potency, selectivity, target engagement, mechanism of action, and disease‑relevant functional activity.
• Develop and implement screening and compound‑profiling assays from hit identification through hit‑to‑lead and lead optimization, generating timely, reproducible data to support medicinal chemistry design‑make‑test‑analyze cycles, structure‑activity relationships (SAR), and compound prioritization.
• Build robust assay cascades using appropriate controls, counter screens, and orthogonal readouts to distinguish on‑target activity from assay interference, nonspecific effects, and cytotoxicity.
• Conduct mechanistic studies to link target modulation to downstream signaling, cellular phenotypes, and pharmacodynamic responses.
• Support translational studies through biomarker assay development, analysis of cell and tissue samples, and evaluation of candidate biomarkers of target engagement, response, and resistance.
• Contribute to preclinical study planning and ex vivo sample analysis, helping connect exposure, target modulation, and biological activity.
• Support assay transfer and external studies with CROs through protocol preparation, internal bridging experiments, data review, and technical troubleshooting.
• Analyze concentration‑response data and assay performance; document experiments in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), upload and curate assay results in centralized data repositories, and communicate results clearly at project‑team meetings.
• Contribute to laboratory operations, reagent and instrument maintenance, and a culture of scientific rigor, safety, collaboration, and timely execution.

• MUST HAVE:
  Relevant industry experience. PhD with 2–3 years, or MS/BS with 5–6 years, of biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry experience in hands‑on drug discovery biology.
• MUST HAVE:
  Drug discovery & Assay development. Experience developing and executing biochemical and cell‑based assays from hit identification through lead optimization, generating compound‑profiling data to guide SAR and compound prioritization.
• MUST HAVE:
  Translational science. Experience developing target‑engagement or pharmacodynamic biomarker assays and supporting preclinical sample analysis.
• Experience working closely with medicinal chemists to generate and interpret compound‑profiling data…