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, allowing us to identify new targets and drugs for neurological, ophthalmological, and metabolic indications.

To enable this vision, we are seeking a Scientist II to join our Protein Sciences team in South San Francisco. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Biologics, you will be primarily responsible for the biophysical characterization of tool and therapeutic biologic molecules, peptides, and small molecules. You will drive the analysis of molecular interactions using techniques such as bi-layer interferometry (BLI), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), thermophoresis, and calorimetry.

Beyond the bench, you will act as a subject matter expert in the design of optimal constructs, purification regimes, and structural characterization. For antibody discovery projects, you will play an integral role in repertoire discovery and computational biologics engineering. This is a highly collaborative role where you will liaise between our laboratory efforts and insitro’s data science and AI teams to advance a high-value portfolio of candidates into the clinic.

This role is laboratory-based and requires a full-time onsite presence at our South San Francisco headquarters.

About You

• 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

Nice to Have

• Experience in antibody repertoire generation (animal or display), high-throughput antibody expression and characterization

• Familiarity with protein structure analysis (crystallography, NMR, cryoEM) and advanced modeling tools (AlphaFold, Rosetta, BoltzGen)

• Exposure to early biologics process development including cell line development, scale up, manufacturability assessment and formulation

• Familiarity with google suite and smartsheets 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

Your Ways of Working and Alignment with insitro Values

• "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

Compensation & Benefits at insitro

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, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data.

This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Performance Bonus Plan (based on company targets by role level and annual company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies.

In addition, insitro also provides our employees:

• 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as mental health and well-being support

• Open, flexible vacation policy

• Paid parental leave of at least 16 weeks to support parents who give birth, and 10 weeks for a new parent (inclusive of birth, adoption, fostering, etc)

• Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development

• Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and role's responsibilities

• New hire stipend for home office setup

• Monthly cell phone & internet stipend

• Access to free onsite baristas and daily lunch for employees who are either onsite or hybrid

• Access to a free commuter bus and ferry network that provides transport to and from our South San Francisco HQ from locations all around the Bay Area

insitro is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams–grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences–and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.

Please be aware of recruitment scams: we never request payments, all recruitment communications are from @insitro.com, and if in doubt, contact us at [email protected].

#LI-Onsite

About insitro

insitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning (ML) and data at scale to decode biology for transformative medicines. At the core of insitro’s approach is the convergence of in-house generated multi-modal cellular data and high-content phenotypic human cohort data. We rely on these data to develop ML-driven, predictive disease models that uncover underlying biologic state and elucidate critical drivers of disease. These powerful models rely on extensive biological and computational infrastructure and allow insitro to advance novel targets and patient biomarkers, design therapeutics and inform clinical strategy. insitro is advancing a wholly owned and partnered pipeline of insights and therapeutics in neuroscience and metabolism. Since launching in 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million from top tech, biotech and crossover investors, and from collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. For more information on insitro, please visit www.insitro.com.