AI Biologist - Function

About the role

As an AI Biologist at Latch, you will play a role in advancing our understanding of biological functions through artificial intelligence. Your work will focus on evaluating how AI agents interpret and reason about complex biological data, which is essential for making informed decisions in areas such as binding interactions, stability assessments, and protein design. Collaborating closely with both software engineers and biologists, you will develop benchmark datasets that reflect real-world experimental conditions, ensuring that our AI systems can replicate the critical reasoning processes of human scientists.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define the technical framework for assessing AI agents' reasoning capabilities in biological contexts.
• Develop and curate benchmark datasets derived from actual research and development programs to rigorously evaluate AI performance.
• Analyze functional-assay data to derive insights into binding affinities, stability, and other critical biological parameters.
• computational modeling techniques to interpret noisy experimental data and predict functional outcomes.
• Design and implement experiments to validate AI-generated hypotheses against empirical evidence.
• Engage in quantitative modeling to enhance the understanding of biological sequences and structures.
• Contribute to the development of tools and methodologies that facilitate the integration of AI in biological research.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and biology to continuously refine our approaches and methodologies.

Requirements

• Proven experience in biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, synthetic biology, virology, microbiology, immunology, or a related discipline.
• Direct involvement in generating or analyzing functional-assay data, including titration curves, deep mutational scanning, and potency assays.
• Strong background in quantitative modeling, particularly in dealing with noisy experimental datasets.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or R for data analysis and visualization tasks.
• Familiarity with key concepts in binding affinity, immune escape, viral fitness, toxin potency, and protein design.
• Ability to investigate molecular mechanisms and gain-of-function scenarios.

Nice to have

• Experience in designing or troubleshooting various functional assays, including ELISA and cell-based assays.
• Knowledge of deep learning techniques applied to protein design or functional predictions.
• Understanding of regulatory and safety considerations in the field of bioengineering.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in data analysis and visualization using Python and R.
• Familiar with computational modeling tools and techniques relevant to biological data interpretation.
• Strong analytical skills to assess and interpret complex datasets.

Practical notes

• This position is based in our San Francisco office, which offers a working environment with a waterfront view.
• We provide a flexible work schedule, emphasizing communication and collaboration among team members.
• Employees enjoy numerous perks, including two complimentary meals daily, unlimited snacks, and regular company outings.
• The role is structured as a 1099 contract with a commitment of 40 hours per week, featuring a performance-based compensation model that allows for significant earning potential.
• Candidates must possess valid work authorization, specifically OPT visa holders (not eligible for STEM Extension).

Culture @ Latch

At Latch, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of flexibility and collaboration. We encourage open communication and value the contributions of each team member. Our office is designed to promote teamwork and cross-domain learning, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise. We believe in optimizing each other's time and focusing on solutions rather than problems. The work environment is complemented by a variety of community activities, including sports clubs, reading groups, and team-building events, creating a well-rounded experience for all employees.

Interview Process

We have a streamlined interview process that typically takes 8-12 days from application submission to offer. The process includes an introductory screening with a technical recruiter, a take-home project to assess your skills, a technical interview with a member of our technical staff, and a culture interview with a C-suite executive if applicable. We are eager to find candidates who are not only technically proficient but also align with our company culture and values.