Senior Scientist, Synthetic & Molecular Biology

In this role, you will design, build, and optimize the next-generation genetic payloads that drive our cell therapy and RNA medicine platforms. You will serve as a core molecular biology expert, designing everything from individual targeted constructs to high-throughput pooled libraries for pooled screens and circuit optimization. While molecular biology is your primary core capability, you will work iteratively with cell biologists, immunologists, and cross-functional project teams to ideate and rapidly advance lead constructs from in silico concept to in vitro functional validation.

Essential Functions of the Job

• Proactively propose and implement innovative synthetic biology strategies (e.g., gene circuits, inducible promoters, dual-vector logic, novel cell-surface receptors) to address therapeutic hurdles in oncology and immunology.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot modular molecular cloning workflows (Gibson, Golden Gate, site-directed, high-throughput assembly) spanning individual targeted constructs to large-scale pooled/arrayed DNA libraries for functional screens.
• Design, transcribe, and characterize in vitro transcribed (ivT) RNA and optimize viral vector architectures (lentivirus, AAV) to maximize payload capacity, expression kinetics, and payload stability.
• Evaluate and manage external vendor and CRO workflows (e.g., DNA synthesis, custom cloning, high-throughput plasmid preps, whole-plasmid sequencing), strategically balancing internal bench execution with outsourcing to optimize project timelines, cost, and bandwidth.
• Maintain clean, traceably documented plasmid archives and map registries for team constructs, ensuring seamless cross-functional handoffs.
• Work closely with cell biologists, immunologists, and screening teams to translate payload designs into mammalian functional assays (flow cytometry, qPCR, NGS, reporter readouts) and evaluate lead candidates.
• Lead design reviews, incorporate cross-functional feedback to refine payload iterations.
• Communicate results to project teams and discovery leadership.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.S., or B.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related scientific field, with 2+ years (Ph.D.), 7+ years (M.S.), or 9+ years (B.S.) of relevant industry, academic, or postdoctoral experience.
• Advanced proficiency in molecular cloning strategy, high-throughput assembly methods, construct design, and library generation (regulatory elements, UTRs, promoters, synthetic receptors).
• Demonstrated mastery of construct design software and electronic inventory management (Benchling, SnapGene), with exceptional organizational skills to track and maintain large libraries of plasmids and map files.
• Strong practical knowledge of lentiviral vector design principles and mRNA ivT workflows.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with molecular biology vendors and CROs, with sound judgment on when to leverage external synthesis/cloning capabilities versus driving complex construct assembly in-house.
• Proven track record of generating new scientific concepts, defining research strategies, executing complex benchwork independently, and actively seeking and integrating feedback from multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, rigorously analyze data, and present results clearly.
• Ability to work on site in San Carlos, CA.

Preferred

• Familiarity with basic protein biology, structure-function relationships, or protein engineering principles to support receptor and circuit design.
• Hands-on experience in lentivirus generation, titering, and transduction optimization.
• Prior experience working in drug discovery or translational biology environments.
• Familiarity with primary cell culture (especially T cells or NK cells), CAR/TCR engineering, immuno-oncology targets, or cell therapy platform development.
• Experience with quantitative molecular and cellular readouts, including NGS library preparation, flow cytometry (FACS), qPCR, and reporter assays.
• Basic programming skills in R or Python for biological data processing and analysis.