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.