Research Assistant

latentlabs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Latent Labs is seeking a curious Research Associate to join our team at the interface of generative AI and biology. You will execute and optimize mammalian cell culture–based assays and contribute to high-throughput screening workflows using our proprietary models.

You will work closely with lead scientists, receive mentorship, and help generate reliable, reproducible data while expanding your experimental skills in an interdisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience.
• Experience with HTS or high-throughput assay workflows.
• Familiarity with cell-based assays and related techniques.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and sample-tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using aseptic technique.
• Run plate-based assays and HTS workflows with proper controls.
• Support assay development and optimization with lead scientists.
• Operate laboratory automation equipment and plate readers.
• Document results in electronic lab notebooks (e.g., Benchling).
• Prepare reagents and maintain supplies for daily operations.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

HTS workflows

Cell-based assays

Data handling

Python (willingness to learn)

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology/biochemistry/ccell biology

Master's degree (optional)

Tools

Benchling

Plate readers

Liquid handling automation

Job description

Research Assistant

About Latent Labs

At Latent Labs, we are building frontier models that learn the fundamentals of biology. We pursue ambitious goals with curiosity and are committed to scientific excellence. Before building Latent Labs, our team co-developed DeepMind's Nobel-prize winning AlphaFold, invented latent diffusion, and built pioneering lab data management systems as well as high throughput protein screening platforms. At Latent Labs you will be working with some of the brightest minds in generative AI and biology.

Our team is committed to interdisciplinary exchange, continuous learning and collaboration. Team offsites help us foster a culture of trust across our London and San Francisco sites.

We're looking for innovators passionate about tackling complex challenges and maximizing positive global impact. Join us on our moonshot mission.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a curious and engaged Research Associate to join our team working at the interface of generative AI and biology. Working closely with a team of lead scientists, you will help execute and optimize assays to functionally test and characterize novel proteins designed using our proprietary models. This hands-on laboratory role emphasizes mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and high-throughput screening (HTS).

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organization applying artificial intelligence to longstanding scientific challenges while developing your experimental skills. You will receive scientific guidance and mentorship, take ownership of routine laboratory workflows, and collaborate with teammates to generate reliable, reproducible data.

We are seeking a curious and engaged Research Associate to join our team working at the interface of generative AI and biology. Working closely with a team of lead scientists, you will help execute and optimize assays to functionally test and characterize novel proteins designed using our proprietary models. This hands-on laboratory role emphasizes mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and high-throughput screening (HTS).

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organization applying artificial intelligence to longstanding scientific challenges while developing your experimental skills. You will receive scientific guidance and mentorship, take ownership of routine laboratory workflows, and collaborate with teammates to generate reliable, reproducible data.

Your responsibilities:

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures. Perform routine cell culture, including thawing, passaging, expansion, cryopreservation, and monitoring cell health. Prepare cells for screening experiments using consistent aseptic technique.
• Execute high-throughput screening workflows. Run plate-based assays to evaluate protein activity, using established protocols, appropriate controls, and careful sample tracking. Support workflows in 96- and/or 384-well formats.
• Support assay development and optimization. Work with lead scientists to test assay conditions, assess reproducibility, and troubleshoot experimental issues. Contribute observations and ideas that improve assay performance.
• Use laboratory automation. Operate liquid handlers, plate readers, and other screening equipment following training and established procedures.
• Document and summarize results. Maintain accurate experimental records in Benchling or a similar electronic lab notebook, track samples, and share results with the team.
• Support daily laboratory operations. Prepare reagents, maintain supplies, store deliveries, and help keep shared equipment and workspaces organized and ready for use.

You bring:

• Relevant education and laboratory experience. A bachelor's degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field with approximately 1-3 years of relevant laboratory experience, or a master's degree with 0-2 years of relevant experience. Academic research and substantive internship experience are both welcome.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture skills. Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines, using aseptic technique, and assessing cell viability and culture quality. Experience with transfection is a plus.
• Experience with HTS or high-throughput assay workflows. Familiarity with multiwell plate assays, multichannel pipetting, plate layouts, controls, and consistent sample handling. Experience with automated liquid handling.
• A foundation in experimental biology. Experience with cell-based assays and one or more complementary techniques, such as flow cytometry, ELISA, fluorescence or luminescence assays, or molecular cloning. Expertise in every technique is not expected.
• Careful data handling and documentation. Comfort organizing and reviewing experimental data using Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools. Familiarity with Benchling or other sample-tracking systems is a requirement. Familiarity with Python, or a willingness to learn, is a requirement.
• A collaborative, curious approach. You communicate clearly, ask questio