Senior Research Associate, Functional Genomics
Company: Arc Institute
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
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 We
are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research
Associate to join the Functional Genomics team inside the Genome
Engineering Technology Center at the Arc Institute. This position
will directly support our efforts of high-throughput interrogation
of mammalian genomes, transcriptomes and epigenomes with rich
multi-omic readouts. You will play a critical role in the Virtual
Cell Initiative, which aims to create the first foundational model
that makes accurate predictions of cellular states and their
response to intervention. You will also have the opportunity to
partner closely with pioneering labs that have developed the
fundamental toolbox for genome engineering and functional genomics
screens, such as CRISPR nucleases, CRISPRi, CRISPRoff, CRISPRa, and
serine or bridge recombinases. The ideal candidate will have
hands-on experience and proficient skills in mammalian cell
culture, functional genomic screens and NGS library preparation,
and familiarity with various other cellular and molecular
techniques. They must also demonstrate the ability to independently
execute and troubleshoot complex workflows and protocols with an
outstanding attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity
for a highly motivated and curious researcher interested in
leveraging cutting-edge functional genomic technologies to drive
innovative scientific discoveries. About you You are highly
motivated and passionate about applying cutting-edge functional
genomics techniques to enable scientific discoveries. You are
diligent, detail oriented, adaptable, and excels at
troubleshooting. You are committed to generating high quality data
and maintaining good documentation practices. You enjoy working
collaboratively with others and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic
work environment. You respect the process and are comfortable
carrying out the routine execution of tasks while identifying
opportunities to troubleshoot and address bottlenecks. In this
position you will Conduct routine mammalian cell culture, including
cell line banking, expansion and manipulation. Contribute to the
execution of large scale in vitro perturbation screens and
downstream sample preparation for NGS. Participate in other
research efforts related to cellular model, technology and assay
development. Execute tasks and experiments with a focus on
efficiency and reproducibility, following already established SOPs
and ensuring accurate and reliable record keeping and documentation
in our ELN and LIMS system. Analyze and present data at internal
meetings and seminars. Collaborate cross-functionally with other
Tech Center teams at Arc. Contribute to lab organization and
maintenance, including rotating in regular cleaning schedules and
inventory management of supplies and reagents. Requirements BS/MS
or equivalent professional experience in cell biology, molecular
biology, genetics or another relevant field. BS degree, 4 years of
relevant experience or with a MS degree, 2 years of relevant
postgraduate experience. Industry experience is desirable but not
required. Proficiency in mammalian cell culture procedures and
associated aseptic techniques, including direct experiences work
with difficult cell types. Experience culturing stem cells is a
plus. Hands-on experience executing pooled screens is a must.
Experienced with different NGS workflows. Experience and knowledge
of various cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques such as
viral production, qPCR, ELISA and western blotting. Experience in
molecular cloning, preferably for large pooled screens. Attention
to details with the ability to deliver high quality work in a
consistent manner. The ability to independently execute experiments
involving complex workflows, and troubleshoot technical problems.
Strong oral and written communication skills. Flexibility to work
some weekends as needed (days off can be swapped for weekdays).
Preferred Qualifications Prior experience on single-cell RNA
sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a strong plus. Multi-color flow cytometry
and FACS. Prior experience differentiating stem cells. Experience
with LIMS systems, ideally Benchling. Prior experience working with
CRISPR-Cas9 or other genome engineering techniques. Adept at data
analysis in an independent manner. The base salary range for this
position is $87,000 - $114,250. 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.
Keywords: Arc Institute, Laguna , Senior Research Associate, Functional Genomics, Science, Research & Development , Palo Alto, California
