Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Research Scientist, Primary Pharmacology (18-month FTC)
at Recursion
🏢 About Recursion
Recursion is a pioneering TechBio company that uniquely combines automated experimental biology with sophisticated machine learning through its Recursion OS platform. Unlike traditional biotechs, they're decoding biology at scale to accelerate drug discovery, making this an opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and therapeutic development. Their mission to radically improve lives through data-driven biology offers a chance to contribute to innovative medicine while gaining exposure to multidisciplinary science.
About This Role
This Senior Research Scientist role focuses on developing cell-based and biochemical assays to characterize small molecules and rapidly identify candidate therapeutics, directly supporting drug discovery programs from target identification to candidate selection. You'll implement new scientific developments and technologies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to produce decision-making data, making this position central to advancing Recursion's pipeline through primary pharmacology expertise.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves designing and optimizing cell-based assays for compound characterization, analyzing data from plate-based experiments, and collaborating with computational scientists and other team members to interpret results. You might evaluate new assay technologies, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and prepare data presentations to support project decisions, all while maintaining sterile cell culture workflows and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality pharmacological data.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Recursion Is Looking For
- Has 4+ years in pharma/biotech with hands-on expertise in developing and optimizing in vitro assays, particularly cell and plate-based assays like proliferation, cell binding, target engagement, and cytokine release
- Possesses strong practical knowledge of assay technologies and sterile cell culture techniques, with experience in compound characterization for small molecule therapeutics
- Holds a BSc/MSc/Ph.D. in Oncology, Biology, Pharmacology or related field, with demonstrated ability to implement new scientific developments and evaluate technologies
- Thrives in collaborative, cross-functional environments and can produce timely, decision-making data to drive drug discovery programs forward
📝 Tips for Applying to Recursion
Highlight specific examples of assay development for small molecule characterization, quantifying how your work accelerated candidate identification in previous roles
Demonstrate familiarity with Recursion's platform approach by mentioning how you've integrated new technologies or automated processes in assay development
Emphasize experience with the specific assay types mentioned (proliferation, cell binding, target engagement, cytokine release, tumor killing) with concrete metrics
Show how you've collaborated across functions by describing specific project teams you've worked with and how your data drove decisions
Tailor your resume to show progression in pharmaceutical/biotech industry roles over 4+ years, making clear connections to primary pharmacology work
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your hands-on experience with cell-based and biochemical assay development specifically for small molecule therapeutics and compound characterization', 'Examples of implementing new scientific developments or technologies that improved assay efficiency or data quality', "How you've produced decision-making data in timely manner within cross-functional project teams", "Why Recursion's TechBio approach and platform-based drug discovery specifically appeals to you as a research scientist"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Recursion's current pipeline and therapeutic areas of focus to understand where your pharmacology work would contribute
- → The Recursion OS platform and how it integrates automated biology with machine learning
- → Recent publications or presentations by Recursion scientists to understand their technical approach and scientific priorities
- → The company's culture and values, particularly around continual learning and multidisciplinary collaboration
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate specific, hands-on experience with the exact assay types mentioned in the job description
- Presenting generic pharmacology experience without highlighting small molecule therapeutic focus and compound characterization
- Not showing understanding of how your work fits into the broader drug discovery process from target ID to candidate selection
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!