Associate Scientist III

Associate Scientist III, wanted by Insitro, Inc. in South San Francisco, CA. Onboarding new cell models and developing quality control metrics for automated high-throughput arrayed genetic and compounding cell-screening assays suitable for downstream machine learning based discovery; Preparing, optimizing, and implementing real-time qPCR assays to support comprehensive target validation screenings by measuring knockdown efficiency, generating dose-response curves, and screening compound inhibitors. Applying advanced perturbation techniques—such as RNA interference, CRISPR-based gene editing, and small molecule modulation—to ensure assay fidelity, confirm target engagement, and generate robust, precise data for evaluating gene silencing effectiveness and compound efficacy; Leveraging on-flight QC and advanced Python-based data analysis to systematically assess assay performance, ensuring data quality and reproducibility for high-throughput screening, and driving insights into new assay development. Independently troubleshoot and characterize assay performance issues, optimizing key parameters and informing critical decisions. Present findings and data-driven recommendations to cross-functional teams to facilitate strategic improvements in assay design and execution; Developing confocal imaging experiments that result in high-content imaging data and perform in-house image analyses for assay characterization; In time metadata registration and maintaining thorough documentation within electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), ensuring data traceability and compliance. Leading the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), while upholding all laboratory safety protocols and training standards to support operational excellence; Designing and developing innovative assay readout panels, incorporating advanced techniques and methodologies to enhance the sensitivity, accuracy, and scalability of screening assays. Ensuring the new panels meet the specific requirements of ongoing research and facilitating high-quality data generation.

Must have a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in a related occupation. In lieu of a Master’s degree plus two (2) years of experience, we will accept a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, or a related field plus five (5) years of progressive experience in a related occupation. Must have two (2) of years experience in designing and conducting hypothesis-driven experiments including constructing statistical models for Design of Experiment based analysis and conducting data driven analysis of point of failures in experiments using Python; two (2) years experience of medium/high-throughput cell-based screening assays (96/384-well format) for phenotype screening or compound screening on human stems cells, iPSC cells or primary cells; two (2) years of experience executing cell screening assays including developing fluorescence- and absorbance-based assays using instruments such as the Tecan Spark or high-content confocal imaging Opera Phenix Plus HCS system; creating protocols for automated liquid handling systems including the Agilent BioTek EL406 and HAMILTON platforms; and performing QC metrics and performing data analysis to validate assay reproducibility and quality; two (2) years of experience using molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis. This includes performing DNA and RNA extractions using Qiagen kits, running qPCR on the QuantStudio system, designing experiments, preparing samples with custom probes, analyzing data outputs, and evaluating the effects of drug treatments; and two (2) years of experience culturing human stem cells, iPSC cells, or primary cells. $125,278-$129,000/yr. Please send resume to: [email protected] and refer to: Job Req.2026-insitro-004P

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $125,278 - $129,000. 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

• 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 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].

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.