Scientist, Delivery Screening Technology, Horns Lab

The role

The Scientist will lead the development of pooled screening technology to measure and engineer how biological nanoparticles deliver molecular cargo into cells. This role involves building, validating, and scaling platforms to discover and engineer next-generation delivery vehicles.

What you will do

• Design, build, and validate molecular reporters for delivery vehicle efficiency
• Design and construct pooled libraries of engineered delivery vehicles and cellular components
• Execute screens with sequencing-based readouts
• Scale the platform from proof-of-concept to large multiplexed screens
• Design and execute validation experiments and orthogonal assays
• Analyze sequencing data computationally and develop analysis pipelines
• Collaborate with lab members and Technology Centers
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental protocols and results
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences
• Provide guidance and mentorship to Research Associates

Required qualifications

• PhD in cell or molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field
• 0-5 years of relevant post-PhD experience in academia and/or industry
• Deep hands-on experience in pooled screening with end-to-end ownership
• Track record of developing and validating novel quantitative molecular assays from scratch
• Fluency with mammalian cell culture and cell engineering
• Proficiency with flow cytometry
• Ability to analyze large and complex data sets using Python, R, or similar tools
• Strong quantitative aptitude and rigorous approach to experimental design
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment as an independent thinker and collaborative team player

Nice to have

• Experience with mammalian synthetic biology, including reporter design or genetic circuit engineering
• Experience with protein engineering, directed evolution, or deep mutational scanning
• Experience with relevant cell biology (e.g. endocytosis, receptor trafficking, endosomal escape) or virology
• Experience with computational protein design or genome mining
• Experience with animal handling and procedures
• Prior experience in drug delivery, nanomedicine, extracellular vesicles, viral vectors, or lipid nanoparticles

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus
• Compound Cash Grant Program (CCGP) providing multi-year cash grants in semi-annual installments

Before you apply

• Submit CV
• Submit brief cover letter describing research interests, project interests, and fit for Horns Lab
• Include contact information for 3+ references

About the company

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology, based in Palo Alto. It partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.