Scientist, Functional Genomics, Konermann Lab

About Arc Institute

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology, working to accelerate scientific progress and understand the root causes of complex diseases. Founded in 2021 and based in Palo Alto, Arc partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.

Unlike academia, our scientists have long-term funding and industry-like resources. Unlike industry, they're free to pursue high-risk, long-term research without commercial pressures. Arc's Technology Centers and Core Investigator labs work side by side, integrating experimental and computational biology under one roof to tackle problems neither could solve alone.

Our two Institute Initiatives reflect this model in action:

• Virtual Cell Initiative: Building a full-stack virtual cell model to identify disease mechanisms and nominate drug targets,  accelerating the path from biological insight to clinical trials.
• Alzheimer's Disease Initiative: Mapping the genes, pathways, and environmental factors behind Alzheimer's disease to develop drug candidates that address root causes.

More than 300 Arconauts work together at our Palo Alto headquarters, backed by substantial long-term philanthropic funding.

About the position

The Konermann Lab is seeking an exceptional Scientist to lead and collaborate on projects at the intersection of functional genomics and neurobiology. In this role, you will serve as experimental domain expert and apply state-of-the-art cell engineering, CRISPR screening and Perturb-seq technologies to advanced cellular model systems to decipher fundamental biological processes in neurons, microglia and other relevant cell types, provide molecular insights into the role of genetic risk factors in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease) as well as identify potential genetic modifiers to ameliorate disease progression.

This position offers a unique chance for a highly motivated and curious researcher to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, computational biologists and in vivo scientists to connect novel molecular insights to potential translational applications.

About you

• You are passionate about biological discovery and applying advanced molecular technologies to studying complex diseases and fundamental biological processes in challenging cell models.
• You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and enjoy working with both wet lab and computational scientists.
• You are a technologist at heart. You get excited about the potential of new tools (e.g. single-cell genomics, optical screening, multi-modal readouts) to answer questions that were previously impossible to ask.
• You are resilient. You understand that high-reward science involves risk. You approach troubleshooting with a critical mind and view obstacles as puzzles to be solved.
• You have a track record of independent experimental design, execution, troubleshooting and data analysis as well as successful completion of high-impact research projects as evidenced by your publications.

In this position, you will

• Collaborate with neurobiologists to implement functional genomics assays (arrayed and pooled) in human iPSC-derived neurons, microglia and multi-cellular stem cell derived brain models. 
• Serve as the technical expert in the design, execution, and analysis of functional genomic screens. 
• Develop and optimize novel screening assays and readouts suitable for neuronal/glial phenotypes.
• Perform cell culture, differentiation, and genome engineering of human ESC/iPSC and/or immune cell types. 
• Analyze multi-omic datasets and collaborate with computational scientists to derive insightful conclusions as well as generate new testable hypotheses.
• Present findings at internal meetings and external conferences, and contribute to the preparation of high-impact manuscripts.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of post-PhD research experience (industry or academia).
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques (cloning, library preparation, etc.).
• Deep expertise in functional genomics, specifically with CRISPR screening technologies (pooled or arrayed) including library design, library cloning, delivery of gene editors, screen design, screen execution and screen analysis.
• Strong critical thinking and data analysis skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex experimental protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications or preprints.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for mentoring and working within a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with single-cell RNA-seq and single-cell genomics technologies (e.g. 10X Genomics, Perturb-seq/CROP-seq or similar).
• Experience with live-cell microscopy, optical pooled screening and/or multiplexed proteomic readouts (e.g. CITE-seq, Olink or similar). 
• Experience working with human iPSCs and differentiation procedures.
• Background in neurobiology/neurodegenerative disorders.
• Proficient in bioinformatics/data analysis of large datasets (using Python, R etc)

The base salary range for this position is $121,250 to $159,500. These amounts reflect the range of base salary that the Institute reasonably would expect to pay a new hire or internal candidate for this position. The actual base compensation paid to any individual for this position may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and whether the compensation is internally equitable, and does not include bonuses, commissions, differential pay, other forms of compensation, or benefits. This position is also eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus, with the amount dependent on individual and institute performance factors.