Scientist II, Protein Sciences

The Opportunity

The unprecedented convergence of multi-modal data, advanced disease modeling, and computational power is revolutionizing drug discovery. insitro is harnessing this moment to redefine how medicines are developed for complex diseases. Our AI/ML-enabled platforms integrate and scale data to rapidly discover novel biological insights to redefine complex diseases and identify new targets and drugs. To enable this vision we are seeking a Scientist II in our Protein Sciences team to participate in the discovery and advancement of a high-value portfolio of exciting drug candidates into the clinic for neurological, ophthalmological and metabolic indications.

Reporting to the Sr. Director Biologics, you will be primarily responsible for the biophysical characterization of a variety of formats of tool and therapeutic biologic molecules, peptides and small molecules and their interactions with target proteins, using techniques such as bi-layer interferometry (BLI), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), thermophoresis and calorimetry. As such, you will participate in the design of optimal constructs and tags, expression and purification regimes, and the analytical and structural characterization of a wide variety of recombinant proteins and their ligands.

For antibody discovery and engineering projects, you will advise on antigen and counter-target design, and play an integral role in the prosecution of repertoire discovery and computational biologics engineering activities. You will participate in discovery and therapeutic project teams as a Protein Science subject matter expert, and liaise with insitro’s data science and AI teams, external collaborators and academic advisors

This role will be laboratory-based, full-time onsite to our South San Francisco headquarters.

• PhD in a biological science related field (protein biochemistry, structural biology, immunology, cell and molecular biology etc.) with 2+ years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 5+ years of industry experience; or B.S. with 7+ years of experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
• Experience using multiple biophysical techniques including BLI and SPR to characterize protein behaviour and protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions
• Expertise in protein domain analysis, expression construct design, expression system selection, downstream protein processing and analytical methodology
• Experience working independently within a collaborative multidisciplinary matrixed environment
• Strong analytical skills, including qualitative and quantitative assessment skills and demonstrated critical thinking
• Strong project team experience with the ability to propose, execute, and deliver results in a timely manner
• Experience with using computational tools for data analysis

• Experience in antibody repertoire generation (animal or display), high-throughput antibody expression and characterization
• Familiarity with protein structure analysis (crystallography, NMR, cryo
  
  EM) and advanced modeling tools (Alpha Fold, Rosetta, Boltz Gen)
• Exposure to early biologics process development including cell line development, scale up, manufacturability assessment and formulation
• Familiarity with google suite and smart sheets strongly preferred
• Prior use of generative AI tools / LLM technologies in day-to-day work (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude)
• Familiarity with and passion about machine learning enabled drug discovery

• Get Things Done : A self-starter, with a strong bias to action, who can prioritize and advance multiple projects under the resource, information and time constraints of an early stage startup
• Engage with Respect :
  Prioritize a compassionate understanding of the needs and perspectives of insitro teams and leaders in every interaction and analysis
• Own the Outcome :
  Proactively take ownership of solving problems

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $130,000 - $145,000. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate's skills, education and experience, market demand,…