[Hiring] Molecular Biology Expert @Weekday AI

Role Description

We are seeking accomplished Molecular Biology Experts to contribute to the development of next-generation AI systems advancing scientific discovery. This opportunity is ideal for researchers with deep expertise in nucleic acid design who are passionate about applying their scientific knowledge to improve AI reasoning across the life sciences.

This is a fully remote, flexible engagement with part-time to full-time availability of up to 40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and review DNA and RNA constructs, including:
  • PCR, qPCR, and cloning primers
  • Plasmids and expression vectors
  • CRISPR guide RNAs (gRNA/sgRNA)
  • mRNA and other RNA constructs
  • HDR and repair templates
• Create challenging, scientifically accurate molecular biology design tasks and develop detailed reference solutions.
• Evaluate AI-generated molecular biology solutions for scientific accuracy, experimental feasibility, and biological reasoning.
• Provide structured written feedback to improve AI performance in nucleic acid sequence design and molecular biology workflows.
• Justify sequence-level design decisions, including:
  • Guide RNA selection
  • Target specificity
  • Homology arm design
  • Primer melting temperature (Tm) optimization
  • Codon optimization
  • Regulatory element selection
• Apply expertise in cloning strategies such as Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly, Gateway Cloning, and restriction enzyme-based cloning.
• Collaborate with fellow subject matter experts to ensure consistency, quality, and scientific rigor across AI training datasets.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience designing nucleic acid constructs for molecular biology experiments, including several of the following:
  • Primers
  • Plasmids and expression vectors
  • CRISPR gRNA/sgRNA
  • mRNA and RNA constructs
  • HDR and repair templates
• Strong understanding of cloning methodologies, including Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly, Gateway Cloning, and traditional restriction cloning.
• Experience with codon optimization, vector design, and sequence engineering.
• Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Strong peer-reviewed publication record, with first-author publications in leading scientific journals considered highly desirable.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to clearly explain molecular biology design decisions and scientific reasoning.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining exceptional scientific accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in genome editing, synthetic biology, functional genomics, or gene therapy.
• Publications in high-impact journals such as Nature, Cell, eLife, Nucleic Acids Research, PNAS, EMBO Journal, or comparable peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience mentoring researchers or reviewing scientific work.
• Interest in applying molecular biology expertise to the development of advanced AI technologies.

Engagement Details

• Fully remote work with flexible scheduling.
• Part-time to full-time commitment of up to 40 hours per week.
• Opportunity to contribute to an initial cohort focused on designing and evaluating molecular biology tasks.
• High-performing contributors may have opportunities for extended engagement as project needs evolve.