Scientist II, Functional Bioassays & Throughput Screening

Position: Scientist II, Functional Bioassays & High Throughput Screening
The Role:

The Functional Bioassays team is seeking a Scientist II to develop, optimize, and execute functional assays across Generate’s therapeutic portfolio. This bench-focused role will generate high-quality data to guide protein design and program decisions, including AI/ML-enabled design cycles.

The scientist will design, optimize, and troubleshoot biochemical and cell-based assays; execute high-throughput screening campaigns; analyze results; and support automation integration across programs. Work may include ion-channel, GPCR, ADC-related, and other functional assay platforms as portfolio needs evolve.

Approximately 80–90% of this role will be laboratory-based. The scientist will collaborate with colleagues across Therapeutics, Technology, and cross-functional program teams to deliver well-controlled data for iterative design-build-test-learn cycles.

This role is suited to a hands-on scientist with experience in functional assay development and high-throughput screening who can take ownership of experiments, communicate results clearly, and adapt to changing program needs.

Here's how you will contribute:
· Design, optimize, and implement high-throughput screening-compatible cell-based and biochemical assays, integrating automation where appropriate.
· Plan and execute plate-based high-throughput screening campaigns, analyze results, and interpret experimental datasets.
· Communicate findings to program teams to inform AI/ML-enabled design cycles, program decisions, and therapeutic optimization.
· Support high-throughput functional assay work across multiple therapeutic programs, with potential focus areas including ion channels, GPCRs, and ADC-related assays.
· Apply and expand expertise in novel functional assay technologies, including ion-channel and GPCR assays, as program needs evolve.
· Conduct experiments with attention to detail, scientific rigor, and adherence to established protocols.
· Troubleshoot assay performance, instrumentation, reagents, and workflows in partnership with senior scientists and Automation colleagues.
· Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized records in electronic laboratory notebooks and other data systems.
· Prepare clear summaries of results for team discussions, program updates, and cross-functional meetings.
· Coordinate experiments with colleagues across Functional Bioassays, Automation, Biology, Protein Sciences, Data Science, and program teams.
· Follow laboratory safety practices, sample-handling requirements, data-integrity expectations, and Generate’s scientific standards.

The Ideal Candidate will have:
· PhD in cell biology, pharmacology, immunology, biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related discipline, with approximately 2+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience; or MS with approximately 5+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience; or BS with approximately 7+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience.
· Hands-on experience with cell-based, biochemical, and functional assays in an academic, biotech, pharmaceutical, or related research setting.
· Strong technical foundation in mammalian cell culture and plate-based assay workflows.
· Experience with plate-based assay technologies such as ELISA, HTRF, AlphaLISA, luminescence or fluorescence assays, flow cytometry, or similar methods.
· Experience designing, optimizing, and executing high-throughput screening in 384- or 1536-well formats for small molecules, biologics, or both, with appropriate controls and replicates, sound data quality, and clear documentation.
· Ability to recognize assay-performance or data-quality issues, investigate likely causes, and contribute to troubleshooting.
· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed…