(Senior) Director of Chemistry
About The Position
At Glyphic Biotechnologies, we plan to create the protein revolution for which scientists and researchers have been waiting. We are developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform that will transform life science discovery and usher in a new era of insights into human biology and disease. To date, we have raised >$50M from venture partners and non-dilutive grant funding to achieve our vision of next generation proteome sequencing. Glyphic is seeking a (Senior) Director of Chemistry to lead Glyphic’s chemistry function – designing novel reagents, driving sample-prep innovations, and building a world-class chemistry team to deliver a disruptive single molecule protein sequencing technology. This position is reporting to the Vice President of Research & Development. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.
Requirements
- PhD, organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or related field.
- 12+ years in reagent or assay development, including 4+ years in leadership.
- Proven expertise in protein/peptide chemistry (synthesis, purification, bioconjugation)
- Strong background in sample-prep chemistry and methods for proteomics, ideally including immunopeptidomics
- Ability to develop novel nucleic acid chemistry (new base pairing, new phosphoramidites)
- Translate prototypical organic chemistry (photochemistry, redox chemistry) into a biological environment
- Proficiency with analytical techniques: HPLC, LC-MS, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, etc
- Experience with Intellectual property strategy, competitive landscape analysis, freedom-to-operate evaluations
- Track record of translating discovery-phase chemistry into scalable, manufacturing-ready or commercial reagents
- Prior startup or early-stage company experience.
- Visionary and hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with bench-level problem solving.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with single-molecule or next-generation sequencing chemistries and assays
- Knowledge of photochemistry, peptide synthesis, amino acid blocking strategies, orthogonal labeling systems.
- Experience with automation and/or microfluidic reagent delivery systems
- History of patent filings and IP portfolio development.
Responsibilities
- Set the long-term chemistry roadmap for protein sequencing (bio/ortho/conjugations, amino acid side chain modifications, N-/C-terminal cleavage, surface chemistry, custom nucleosides, reagent development).
- Partner with biology, engineering, microfluidics/automation, and data science to ensure seamless platform integration.
- Drive intellectual property strategy, competitive landscape analysis, and participate with legal on freedom-to-operate evaluations.
- Build robust blocking, capping, and wash chemistries to minimize cross-talk and background signal on solid supports, flow cells, or microarray surfaces, ensuring high specificity and sensitivity in downstream detection assays.
- Utilize high-throughput screening and combinatorial chemistry testbeds to develop robust and reproducible protocols
- Innovate front-end chemistries for protein/peptide capture, enrichment, and derivatization.
- Optimize lysis, digestion, and peptide stabilization protocols that preserve post-translational modifications (PTMs) and support low-input samples.
- Integrate with orthogonal proteomics (nano LC-MS, …) for validation.
- Transition discovery-phase reagents to reagent manufacturing.
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary chemistry team (synthetic, analytical, biochemical, biophysical).
- Define and track OKRs, budgets, and timelines to meet aggressive startup milestones.
- Foster a collaborative, data-driven culture and integrate closely with cross-functional teams.
Benefits
- Employee Stock Option Plan
- 100% Health Plan Coverage for Employees & Dependents (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
- Employer Retirement Contributions to 401(k)
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Health & Wellbeing Program
- Office Snacks and Beverages
- Regular Team Bonding Activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
