Senior Engineer I, Science

About Ginkgo Datapoints: Ginkgo Datapoints, a business unit within Ginkgo Bioworks, is ushering in the coming era of AI-backed biotechnology breakthroughs. By leveraging Ginkgo's state-of-the-art automation and digital infrastructure, Datapoints addresses the growing demand for high-quality, large-scale biological datasets essential for training AI models in drug discovery and development. 

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Functional Genomics Senior Scientist to join our wet-lab team within Ginkgo Datapoints. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mammalian cell culture and engineering 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

• Develop and own standardized cell culture protocols for complex cellular models (e.g., primary cells, iPSC cell lines, 2D co-cultures)
• Develop and optimize biochemical and cellular assays with a high throughput screening mindset
• Execute chemical and genetic screens with a focus on CRISPR or siRNA transfection using multiple delivery methods and transcriptomics and phenotypic readouts
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams to design, execute, analyze, document experiments and communicate results in internal and external settings
• Analyze and interpret results that guide i) future experimental design, and ii) foster continuous improvements in cell culture workflows with a focus on scalability and reliability
• Establish detailed capability roadmap outlining future technical work and milestones, and partner with the product manager to ensure successful execution of the product roadmap.
• Engage with customers to scope projects, serve as a subject matter expert in areas such as complex cell culture, genetic perturbations, and assay development.

Requirements

• Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering or related fields with 4+ years of hands-on, industry research experience in mammalian cell biology and biochemistry (PhD preferred, but not required).
• Track record of success implementing and instructing others on best practices in cell culture.
• Extensive, hands-on experience with advanced cellular models (i.e., primary or iPSC derived cells, with a focus in neuroscience, immunology, and cardiometabolic areas).
• Strong technical expertise in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques including transfection, viral transduction, Western blotting, and CRISPR.
• Experience in biochemical and cellular assay development, especially as a member of a high throughput screening team. 
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental results with the goal to guide future experiments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

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.