Biochemical Engineer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

3d•$145,200 - $220,000

About The Position

The Biological and Chemical Technologies Group seeks a candidate to join a multidisciplinary team to apply chemistry and biology to national security challenges. These projects include development of materials used for detecting chemicals and proteins, design of enzymes used for bio-manufacturing chemicals and novel materials, and applying computational methods to develop new proteins and small molecules. The ideal candidate will be capable of computationally designing, building, testing, and iterating on engineered proteins and/or small molecules, and closing the loop between in silico hypotheses and experimental validation. This is a high-impact role for someone who wants to shape both the design strategy and the experimental execution behind next-generation molecular design, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and biomanufacturing programs, to include rational design, directed evolution, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. The candidate will work with in-house experts in biosynthesis and biomanufacturing; molecular and cellular biology; bioinformatics; complex in vitro models; computational, organic, and analytical chemistry; and artificial intelligence/machine learning to develop multidisciplinary innovative solutions to complex national security challenges that no single discipline can address independently. These team-based projects apply a deep understanding of chemistry and/or biology, involve written communication of results, and regular interactions with representatives of external collaborator organizations. Anyone with experience and interest in these areas and who wishes to become a member of our team is encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.S. with a minimum of five years of experience in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Biology, or Protein Engineering or related field.
Strong knowledge of both computational methods and chemistry and/or biology.
Demonstrated experience using and assessing computational tools in areas such as structure prediction/generation, diffusion modeling, ligand docking, molecular dynamics, molecular design, and basic bioinformatics analysis.
In-depth understanding of both enzyme structures / mechanisms and physical organic chemistry.
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and graphical).

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of work experience after a PhD is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Computationally design, build, test, and iterate on engineered proteins and/or small molecules.
Close the loop between in silico hypotheses and experimental validation.
Shape the design strategy and experimental execution behind next-generation molecular design, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and biomanufacturing programs.
Apply rational design, directed evolution, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
Develop multidisciplinary innovative solutions to complex national security challenges.
Communicate results in writing.
Engage in regular interactions with representatives of external collaborator organizations.