Member of Technical Staff – Virology
Latch builds rigorous scientific benchmarks (benchmarks.bio) to measure how well AI agents perform real biology. Frontier AI labs and pharma use them to answer a core question: can an agent handle the complex, multi-layered reasoning real biological work requires?
Each benchmark is grounded in real experimental and clinical practice—covering experiment design, data interpretation, clinical endpoints, and compound advancement—created by scientists with direct, relevant experience.
We are a team of ~100 in San Francisco, backed by Lux Capital, Coatue, Fifty Years, Haystack, Jeff Dean, Alec Nielsen, and George Church.
We’re looking for a Member of Technical Staff – Virology to lead our Virology benchmark and define standards for evaluating AI in Virology.
About the Role
Define technical approaches to evaluate how AI agents could be misused for biological harm and where current safety measures are insufficient.
Collaborate with research engineers and biologists to develop benchmarks that assess whether AI systems can effectively support:
Virology experiment design and evaluation
Protocol troubleshooting and detecting possible AI-driven wet lab failures
Interpretation of viral genomes, proteins, mutations, and phenotypic data
Selection, use, and assessment of bioinformatics and biological design tools
Planning iterative experimental workflows
Evaluating experimental feasibility across diverse conditions
Identifying inaccurate, unsafe, or incomplete AI guidance in dual-use contexts
Requirements
PhD in virology or closely related field with research on viruses
Extensive hands-on wet-lab virology experience, including experiment design, execution, and troubleshooting
Experience in BSL-3 or high-containment BSL-2 labs
Familiarity with Large Language Models, biological foundation models, or AI-enabled biological tools
Proficiency in Python and/or R
Culture @ Latch
How we work: We value flexible schedules and open communication. We prioritize hard work, results, and solution-driven teamwork—all opinions are respected, and we focus on solving problems, not assigning blame. We make the best use of each other’s time and always aim to bring solutions.
Office & Perks: Waterfront office near Oracle Park. Two free daily meals, unlimited snacks, frequent company outings, and team offsites. Enjoy clubs and community—cycling, soccer, figure skating, boxing, running, reading, martial arts, music, and game nights.
Compensation & Logistics
Full-time, in-person
Unlimited PTO
Work Visa sponsorship
Flexible Spending Account
401 contribution (no match)
Profit Share + Ambitious Equity
Science reading groups
100% covered health, dental, and vision
Relocation assistance if needed
Lunch and dinner daily
Waterfront office in China Basin, San Francisco
Company-sponsored professional development
Flexible hours with onsite presence
Best office dog: Nix
Interview Process
Intro Screen (30m): Recruitment Team
Intro Technical Screen (30m): Member of Technical Staff/CTO
Deeper Technical Screen (1hr): Member of Technical Staff/CTO
Onsite Work Trial: 2-3 days (accommodations provided)
Decision: