Scientist – Electrochemistry Assay Development and Testing
About The Position
Arzeda is seeking a detail-oriented Scientist to join their highly collaborative Protein Testing Team. This role is critical in the continued development of Arzeda's enzyme engineering platform, aiming to rapidly screen and optimize enzyme functions. The Scientist will develop high-throughput, automation-ready assay workflows to accelerate enzyme screening, characterization, and experimental iteration. Utilizing deep knowledge of electrochemistry, enzymology (including enzyme kinetics, protein characterization, analytical biochemistry), and HT-assay development and troubleshooting, the Scientist will contribute to impactful projects across the company. Arzeda is a deep tech, mission-driven company focused on designing novel proteins and products that enhance lives and protect the planet, using a technology platform that merges computational protein design, machine learning, and synthetic biology tools.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Bioelectrocatalysis, Biocatalysis, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry or other related field, or 4+ years of experience in a Masters or industry role.
- In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with enzyme characterization.
- Experience developing enzyme assays, especially for biocatalysis or bioconversions.
- Experience designing or operating automated experimental workflows and high-throughput assay systems strongly preferred.
- Understanding of redox chemistry and thermodynamics.
- Experience developing and characterizing enzymes and enzyme-electrode interfaces including direct and/or mediated electron transfer using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.
- Understanding of Marcus and Butler-Volmer theory pertaining to electrocatalysis, ideally additionally familiar with hydride transfer theory and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
- Experience working in a glovebox/bag.
- Experience evaluating data sets, putting together reports, and presenting findings and/or results from data analysis.
- Desire to communicate openly within a team and be receptive to feedback and learning opportunities.
- Adaptable to changing plans as needed to meet goals.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.
- Arzeda will not sponsor a new H1-B visa.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Nice To Haves
- Python and/or R
- Hands-on experience with automation equipment
- Understanding of HPLC or LC/MS for small molecules and proteins.
Responsibilities
- Develop robust high throughput enzyme assays for bioelectro-conversions or bioconversions.
- Evaluate enzyme performance using electrochemical assays, and traditional enzyme assays, using absorbance, fluorescence, and HPLC/MS to detect and quantify products, cofactors, and reaction mediators.
- Contribute to and become an owner of experimental design to drive efficient identification of enzymes with desired properties.
- Perform cell-free expression, and high-throughput or mid-scale protein preparation, as needed.
- Design, optimize, and scale automation-compatible assay workflows to increase experimental throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
- Partner with automation, software, and data infrastructure teams to implement robotic liquid handling, assay orchestration, and streamlined data analysis pipelines.
- Identify experimental bottlenecks and develop strategies to reduce assay cycle time and increase design-build-test-learn iteration speed.
- Develop, optimize, and perform laboratory SOPs.
- Interface with upstream (e.g., Protein Design, Strain Design, and Genetic Design-Build teams) and downstream teams and (Fermentation and Downstream Processing teams) for efficient data exchange and transfer of materials.
- Operate and maintain electrochemistry equipment.
Benefits
- Base salary of $101,000 to $140,000 depending on experience
- Comprehensive compensation package, to include equity
- Paid time off
- Company-observed holidays to include a company paid holiday closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Paid medical/family leave
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance to include options for Health Savings Accounts
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Commuter benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
