Scientist I, Screening Tech Development

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Bezos Expeditions, Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures, and have raised over $150M to date.

The Role

Profluent is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Scientist I to drive screening infrastructure development and deployment to transform our mammalian genome-editing platform. This is a hands-on, lab-based role focused on bridging AI-driven enzyme design with high-throughput experimental validation. The successful candidate will spearhead advanced genome-editing projects, build scalable screening workflows, and support key internal and external collaborations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in mammalian cell biology, genome editing, molecular biology, and an eagerness to collaborate deeply with biologists, bioinformaticians, machine learning engineers, and automation teams.

Responsibilities

Build and disseminate scalable pooled mammalian screening and DNA preparation workflows across teams, drive the impact of said novel technologies, and manage the infrastructure required to screen large-scale libraries

Design, execute, and optimize high-throughput (HTP) mammalian transfection workflows and cell-based assays to evaluate genome-editing outcomes, quantify genome editing via Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Generate poly- and monoclonal cell lines using Homology-Directed Repair (HDR) and lentiviral transduction

Leverage literature insights to independently design biologically and statistically rigorous screening experiments, troubleshoot complex cell-based assays, and pioneer new library design methodologies, staying at the forefront of the genome-editing field

Partner closely with Machine Learning (ML), Bioinformatics, Automation, and Biology teams to support the adoption and impact of novel screening technologies and apply them to engineer new enzyme activities and mechanisms

Maintain meticulously clear electronic lab notebooks, SOPs, and analytical summaries to ensure highly reproducible data handoffs to data science and platform teams

Mentor junior colleagues and routinely share findings in department meetings; serve as an active contributor to our scientific and collaborative company culture, building and maintaining tight professional relationships across departments

Qualifications

PhD in molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline with 0–2 years of relevant industry/postdoctoral experience, an MS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, or Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant industry experience

Deep, hands-on competence in mammalian cell culture, maintenance, engineering, and characterization via bulk population and (experience with hard-to-transfect or specialized cell lines is a plus) as well as proven expertise with monoclonal isolation and characterization techniques

Direct experience with advanced genome-editing modalities (e.g., base editors, prime editors, recombinases, or nucleases) and the routine use of NGS to quantify editing efficiency

Proven expertise in modern cloning methodologies (e.g., Golden Gate, Gibson assembly, pooled library preparation), complex DNA design, analysis of pooled DNA populations, and high-volume ordering logistics

Direct experience setting up and executing microplate-based, automation-compatible workflows or deep-well HTP transfections along with a strong understanding of how to structure and track wet-lab data for downstream computational analysis

Strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to pivot seamlessly between diverse infrastructure projects in a fast-paced, startup environment

Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferences

Experienced with pooled screening and demultiplexing via NGS

Experience with flow cytometry of mammalian cells

Experience handling and analyzing large datasets using SQL, Python, JMP, bash, or equivalent data science tools

Experience in Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysis of high-throughput screening experiments

Familiarity with liquid handling automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan) and integrated LIMS tracking systems (e.g. Benchling)

What We Offer

High-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design

Competitive compensation package with equity participation

Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance

Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance

Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basi…