HTS Scientist

About Ginkgo Datapoints: Ginkgo Datapoints, a newly established business unit within Ginkgo Bioworks, is poised to usher in the coming era of AI-backed biotechnology breakthroughs. By leveraging Ginkgo's state-of-the-art automation and digital infrastructure, Datapoints aims to address the growing demand for high-quality, large-scale biological datasets essential for training AI models in drug discovery and development. Unlock AI to unlock biology.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a Scientist to join our High Throughput Screening (HTS) wet-lab team at Ginkgo Datapoints. This role is ideal for someone passionate about lab automation, assay development, high-throughput screening, and process optimization, eager to onboard assays onto workcells and increase throughput.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute primary screens and downstream plate reader assays on automated systems with minimal supervision.
• Perform rigorous quality control of screening results, monitoring assay robustness (e.g., Z’ and CVs) to ensure all data is accurately posted to electronic notebooks and uploaded to databases.
• Test, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic platforms and liquid handlers, including the Echo, Hamilton, and Lynx, to ensure peak performance and minimal downtime.
• Maintain impeccable lab records while supporting routine laboratory maintenance and safe lab practices.
• Partner with science teams to develop, optimize, and adapt biochemical and cell-based assays into 384- and 1536-well formats.
• Collaborate with bench scientists to transition manual assays onto fully automated screening systems and robotic workcells.
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to increase throughput and drive overall screening efficiency.

Desired Experience and Capabilities

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field with at least 3 years of industry experience in HTS or automation.
• Hands-on proficiency operating and troubleshooting common HTS equipment such as the Echo, Prime/Lynx/Hamilton, EL406/Tempest/Combi liquid handlers, and Pherastar readers.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve hardware or software issues on automated platforms like HRB workcells or Hamilton systems.
• Experience with automated scheduling software (Cellario) and LIMS/database environments is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with high-content imaging platforms or compound management workflows is a significant plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic culture with a strong sense of urgency and focus on high-quality deliverables.
• Effective communication skills to ensure alignment across cross-functional project teams and external stakeholders.

Why Join Ginkgo Datapoints?

• Work at the cutting edge of AI/ML and automation in drug discovery.
• Contribute to biologically relevant high-throughput screening efforts.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to scientific innovation.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

The base salary range for this role is $70,800 to $106,100 Actual pay within this range will depend on a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience. We also offer company stock awards, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision coverage, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave of absence policies, 401(k) program with employer contribution, 8 paid holidays in addition to a full-week winter shutdown and unlimited Paid Time Off policy.

Ginkgo has implemented a full-time onsite work policy requiring employees to work in the office five (5) days per week. This policy applies to all employees who live within 50 miles of Ginkgo's offices in Boston, MA, Emeryville, CA, and West Sacramento, CA. Candidates will be informed of this onsite requirement during the interview process