Senior Research Scientist, AI Bio Capabilities Verification

Accountabilities: Design and conduct in vitro validation studies to determine whether capabilities demonstrated by large language models and biological AI systems computationally translate into real biological performance. Develop experimental approaches with sufficiently short turnaround times to inform AI model evaluation and pre-release decision-making. Ensure scientific rigor across verification studies, including statistical power, appropriate controls, bias mitigation, reproducibility, and confound management. Translate proposed capability-verification tasks into executable experiments, selecting biological proxy systems that provide meaningful evidence while maintaining appropriate safety standards. Critically interpret experimental findings and assess their implications in the context of relevant biological threat models. Collaborate with computational evaluation teams to identify in silico correlates of wet-lab findings, making costly experimental evidence easier to reproduce and measure at scale. Oversee wet-lab technical personnel in the planning, implementation, and execution of research studies. Contribute to biological task specifications and experimental design for research examining how AI may enhance human performance in biological research. Develop and conduct demonstrations for policymakers and leading AI organizations, ensuring findings are scientifically robust and understandable to non-specialist audiences. Contribute to technical reports, scientific publications, and public-facing dashboards tracking developments in AI biological capabilities. Help shape the research program, experimental methods, and laboratory capabilities as the team and its BSL-2 facility expand. Requirements: PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Protein Design, or a closely related discipline, together with several years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience. Equivalent depth of expertise from other career paths may also be considered. Substantial hands-on wet-lab experience in at least one relevant biological research area, with the ability to collaborate across related disciplines. Previous experience working with biological agents requiring BSL-2 containment or higher. Strong experimental design capabilities, including statistical power analysis, control selection, and confound management, particularly in small-sample studies. Well-calibrated judgment regarding biological risks and the ability to evaluate research activities through a biosecurity lens. Comfort developing methods for novel, non-standardized research questions where established experimental approaches may not exist. Ability to work effectively through short, intensive research cycles and adapt priorities as AI models and capabilities evolve. Strong commitment to research ethics, thorough documentation, and reproducible scientific practices. Discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive biosecurity information. Alignment with the mission of preventing catastrophic pandemics and reducing biological risks. Practical experience using biological AI tools, such as protein-design models, biological sequence models, or comparable technologies. Preferred Qualifications: Experience building research capabilities, teams, or experimental programs from the ground up, particularly in a biotech startup or similarly fast-moving environment. Working proficiency in Python or R, with the ability to independently run and iterate computational evaluations. Familiarity with Benchling or other laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Experience with liquid-handling automation or agentic AI coding tools. Knowledge of biosecurity policy, biological threat assessment, or counterterrorism-related work. Experience collaborating with AI developers or working in regulated environments or settings involving strict confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements. Benefits: Approximate annual compensation: $195,000–$300,000, depending on experience. Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Annual mental health allowance. Flexible working hours. Unlimited paid time off (PTO). At least 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave. Professional development opportunities, including fully funded conference sponsorships. Annual professional development allowance. 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 4% of total salary. Opportunity to join a mission-driven international research team working at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and biosecurity. Full-time remote employment is indicated in the listing, while the role description also identifies an in-person Bay Area work location. Candidates should confirm the expected work arrangement during the recruitment process.