Scientist II, Functional Bioassays & High Throughput Screening

The Role: The Functional Bioassays team is seeking a Scientist II to develop, optimize, and execute functional assays across Generate’s therapeutic portfolio. This bench-focused role will generate high-quality data to guide protein design and program decisions, including AI/ML-enabled design cycles. The scientist will design, optimize, and troubleshoot biochemical and cell-based assays; execute high-throughput screening campaigns; analyze results; and support automation integration across programs. Work may include ion-channel, GPCR, ADC-related, and other functional assay platforms as portfolio needs evolve. Approximately 80–90% of this role will be laboratory-based. The scientist will collaborate with colleagues across Therapeutics, Technology, and cross-functional program teams to deliver well-controlled data for iterative design-build-test-learn cycles. This role is suited to a hands-on scientist with experience in functional assay development and high-throughput screening who can take ownership of experiments, communicate results clearly, and adapt to changing program needs. Here's how you will contribute: · Design, optimize, and implement high-throughput screening-compatible cell-based and biochemical assays, integrating automation where appropriate. · Plan and execute plate-based high-throughput screening campaigns, analyze results, and interpret experimental datasets. · Communicate findings to program teams to inform AI/ML-enabled design cycles, program decisions, and therapeutic optimization. · Support high-throughput functional assay work across multiple therapeutic programs, with potential focus areas including ion channels, GPCRs, and ADC-related assays. · Apply and expand expertise in novel functional assay technologies, including ion-channel and GPCR assays, as program needs evolve. · Conduct experiments with attention to detail, scientific rigor, and adherence to established protocols. · Troubleshoot assay performance, instrumentation, reagents, and workflows in partnership with senior scientists and Automation colleagues. · Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized records in electronic laboratory notebooks and other data systems. · Prepare clear summaries of results for team discussions, program updates, and cross-functional meetings. · Coordinate experiments with colleagues across Functional Bioassays, Automation, Biology, Protein Sciences, Data Science, and program teams. · Follow laboratory safety practices, sample-handling requirements, data-integrity expectations, and Generate’s scientific standards. The Ideal Candidate will have: · PhD in cell biology, pharmacology, immunology, biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related discipline, with approximately 2+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience; or MS with approximately 5+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience; or BS with approximately 7+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience. · Hands-on experience with cell-based, biochemical, and functional assays in an academic, biotech, pharmaceutical, or related research setting. · Strong technical foundation in mammalian cell culture and plate-based assay workflows. · Experience with plate-based assay technologies such as ELISA, HTRF, AlphaLISA, luminescence or fluorescence assays, flow cytometry, or similar methods. · Experience designing, optimizing, and executing high-throughput screening in 384- or 1536-well formats for small molecules, biologics, or both, with appropriate controls and replicates, sound data quality, and clear documentation. · Ability to recognize assay-performance or data-quality issues, investigate likely causes, and contribute to troubleshooting. · Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed res