[Hiring] Biology Research Scientist @YO AI Labs

Role Description

We are seeking experienced Biology Research Scientists to support a project focused on validating protein target assignments against primary scientific sources and UniProt records. You will review research papers and patents, identify target assignment errors, propose corrected UniProt accessions, and provide concise, evidence-based scientific reasoning.

Key Responsibilities

• Review primary research papers and patents to verify protein target assignments.
• Compare target assignments against UniProt and identify discrepancies.
• Classify target assignment errors using a structured taxonomy.
• Propose accurate UniProt accessions where assignments are incorrect.
• Document clear, concise, evidence-grounded reasoning for each determination.
• Apply expertise in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemical biology to evaluate target relationships.

Qualifications

• BA/BS + 5 years, MS + 2 years, or PhD with relevant industry/drug discovery experience.
• Background in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemical biology within biotech, pharma, or CRO environments.
• Hands-on experience with assays such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, or GPCR functional assays.
• Experience interpreting IC50, Ki, and Kd data.
• Currently active in a bench-based research, scientist, or associate scientist role.
• Working knowledge of UniProt or related workflows such as SAR, HTS, target validation, biochemical profiling, or IND-enabling studies.

Nice to Have

• Experience with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem.
• Selectivity profiling or counterscreening experience.
• Understanding of agonist/antagonist vs. activator/inhibitor distinctions.

Screening Questions

• What is your highest relevant degree and how many years of industry research experience do you have?
• What is your experience with protein target identification and UniProt?
• Which binding or functional assays have you performed hands-on?
• Do you have experience interpreting IC50, Ki, or Kd data?
• Have you worked with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem?
• Are you currently bench-active in a research or scientist role?
• Are you available for 10–20 hours per week with an immediate start?