Eikon therapeutics

Scientist II, Cell Line Engineering and CRISPR Screening

Millbrae, CA Full Time

Eikon Therapeutics is a new biopharmaceutical company employing revolutionary technology at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, computation, and biology to discover novel treatments for life-threatening diseases. Eikon’s discovery platform is built on groundbreaking innovations from its founders (Nobel Prize, 2014), culminating in the creation of microscopes which enable real time, molecular-resolution measurements of protein movement in living cells, thereby unlocking otherwise intractable classes of proteins as drug targets.

Position

Eikon Therapeutics is seeking a motivated Scientist II, Cell Line Engineering and CRISPR Screening with experience in cell line engineering, CRISPR screening, and data analysis to support our drug discovery programs. The candidate will contribute to target validation and functional genomics efforts to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.

About You

You’re a curious, methodical scientist who thrives on turning complex questions into clear, testable ideas. You bring a strong sense of ownership, rigor, and integrity to your work, paired with a collaborative mindset and genuine enjoyment of cross-functional teamwork.

What You’ll Do

  • Engineer and validate complex mammalian cell line models (including gene knock-in) tailored for target discovery and drug screening applications using Landing Pad, CRISPR/Cas9 and lentiviral approaches.
  • Design and execute pooled and arrayed CRISPR knockout and activation screens in disease-relevant cell lines. Proficient in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing including design of sgRNAs, lentiviral packaging, transduction, and validation of knockout, knock-in, or gene activation models.
  • Develop robust high-throughput assays for phenotypic and functional characterization of engineered cell lines.
  • Analyze CRISPR screen datasets using bioinformatics pipelines; integrate multi-omics data for mechanistic insights.
  • Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and computational biology teams to prioritize therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
  • Drive continuous improvement of experimental protocols, data quality control, and automation strategies.
  • Document findings comprehensively in lab notebooks, technical reports, and contribute to regulatory filings and patents as needed.
  • Provide scientific mentorship and training to junior team members and interns.

Qualifications

  • Postdoc fellowship; or Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related discipline plus 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's plus 12 years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's plus 14 years of relevant experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in CRISPR genome editing, cell line engineering, and large-scale functional screening in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting.
  • Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, viral transduction methods, and molecular biology techniques.
  • Strong data analysis skills using R, Python, or relevant bioinformatics tools to interpret CRISPR screening results.
  • Experience with NGS library prep and understanding of sequencing data quality metrics.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal stakeholders and external collaborators. 

At Eikon, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:​

  • 401k plan with company matching​
  • Medical (premiums covered by Eikon at 95%), dental and vision insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%)​
  • Mental health and wellness benefits​
  • Weeklong summer and winter holiday shutdowns​
  • Generous paid time off and holiday policies​
  • Life/AD&D Insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%) and optional supplemental employee-paid life/AD&D policies ​
  • Enhanced parental leave benefit​
  • Daily subsidized lunch program when on-site​

The expected salary range for this role is $133,000 to $145,350 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.

Eikon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment.

We are currently not accepting any new third-party agencies or firms at this time. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our website, employees or Human Resources. Eikon Therapeutics will not pay fees to any third-party agency or firm associated with unsolicited resumes.