Staff Scientist, Biochemistry, Protein Engineering
Encodia, Inc., United States
Job Description
Encodia is a rapidly growing platform company that is developing a new generation of protein analysis tools based on single-molecule protein sequencing. Our goal is to make protein sequencing easy and ubiquitous by using a novel reverse-translation technology that turns peptide sequences into DNA. The DNA can be read by a DNA sequencer, providing a path to breakthrough proteomics research at a scale that is not practical or cost-effective using current technologies.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and innovative Staff Scientist, Biochemistry to join our Protein Engineering team. The ideal candidate should be an excellent collaborator and have experience applying biophysical and various analytical tools to characterize novel peptides and proteins, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) , fluorescence polarization anisotropy (FPA), bio-layer interferometry (BLI), and multiparameter molecular property characterization.
Requirements
- PhD or equivalent in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, chemical biology, structural biology, chemistry, or related field of study
- 8+ years experience in biochemical or biophysical characterization of proteins and nucleic acids including SPR, BLI or FPA
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy, nucleic acid biochemistry, and single molecule assay development
- Experience in bioconjugation and evaluating methods to achieve technical milestones.
- Experience working with molecular biology and synthetic biology teams for making DNA libraries (combinatorial libraries, site saturation libraries)
- Familiar with macromolecular modeling software (i.e. AlphaFold, MOE, Schrödinge) and robust deep learning based protein sequence design (ProteinMPNN).
- Proven ability to work across teams of molecular biology, computational chemistry, proteomics, and bioinformatics to develop single molecule proteomics platform
- Familiar with directed evolution including yeast/phage/snap display, and NGS data analysis for library enrichment
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement rigorous workflows to characterize proteins arising from evolution-based screening approaches
- Leverage knowledge of binding kinetics and develop method for screening proteins with desired properties
- Establish structure-function relationships and macromolecular design principles based on experimental data
- Work closely with directed evolution, molecular biology, computational biology, chemistry, and assay development teams to improve an iterative scientific workflow.
- Train and direct junior scientists for protein production and characterization to understand mechanistic insights into protein structure and function.
- Setup and operate complex instrumentation and laboratory automation.
- Analyze, interpret, document and present data to the scientific and leadership team
- Write internal scientific reports and articles for publication
- Work within a collaborative, and interdisciplinary team to actively contribute to creating, shaping, and executing the vision of the company
- Be accountable for personal goals aligned with team and company goals.
The successful candidate will:
- Work independently for characterizing proteins and interpret data for designing proteins with desired attributes.
- Develop robust workflow for protein production, characterization, and hit validation
- Work with computational chemist for designing architecture of protein amp; DNA for multiplex system improvement
- Have a track record of designing experiments, coordinating with team members, and collaborating across disciplines to accomplish projects with deadlines.
- Engage with team members in troubleshooting, data analysis, and data interpretation.
- Be self-motivated and able to contribute effectively in a fast-changing environment
- Have high integrity and ethics
- Be committed to quality and timely delivery of results
- Maintain accurate and well-organized laboratory notebooks
- Respect laboratory safety policies and practice
Benefits
Encodia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer a competitive and comprehensive employee benefits package including medical plans, dental insurance, vision plans, LTD, paid vacation, and a stock plan.
Compensation: $141,000-$218,500/year. While compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role.
We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ma