Scientist II, Gene Editing, Protein Engineer
About The Position
ElevateBio is seeking a scientist to engineer and optimize gene-editing proteins by combining machine learning and protein language models with hands-on laboratory research. The scientist will design, build, and test protein variants, using experimental results to guide iterative engineering cycles. In collaboration with computational and translational scientists, this role will advance gene-editing systems with improved activity, specificity, and properties relevant to therapeutic development. The role includes conducting directed evolution campaigns; generating protein libraries and variants; designing proteins using sequence and structural analysis and computational approaches; developing biochemical and cell-based assays; analyzing experimental data to inform subsequent designs; and assessing engineered systems in relevant biological contexts. The scientist will communicate findings, maintain rigorous documentation, and contribute to technical reports, intellectual property, and publications.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in a scientific discipline and at least 3 years of relevant experience, or an M.S. with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in protein directed evolution, including library design, use of oligo pools, and development of selection strategies.
- Hands-on experience in protein engineering and molecular biology, including construct design, cloning, mutagenesis, and protein variant generation.
- Familiarity with computational approaches used for protein engineering.
- Experience developing and establishing screening and selection methods, including assessing library quality and performing QC to optimize selection strategies.
- Strong scientific judgment, troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and commitment to reproducible research.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience engineering or characterizing gene-editing systems, such as CRISPR-associated nucleases, base editors, or large serine recombinases.
- Experience using FACS for cell sorting and selection.
- Experience with high-throughput screening or deep mutational scanning.
- Experience optimizing protein properties relevant to therapeutic use, including potency, stability, expression, and delivery compatibility.
- Experience using NGS to support protein engineering.
- Experience with protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
- Practical experience applying machine learning and protein language models to protein design, variant prioritization, or sequence–function prediction.
- Familiarity with off-target assessment and engineering approaches to improve editing specificity.
Responsibilities
- Carry out directed evolution campaigns to improve the activity and specificity of gene-editing proteins.
- Generate protein libraries and variants through molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and related engineering approaches.
- Design and engineer gene-editing proteins using sequence and structural analysis, machine learning, and protein models.
- Develop and execute iterative cycles connecting computational predictions with experimental results.
- Develop and perform biochemical and cell-based assays to evaluate gene-editing efficiency, specificity, and performance.
- Analyze experimental datasets to identify sequence–function relationships and prioritize subsequent designs.
- Collaborate with computational scientists to adapt and evaluate predictive models using experimental data.
- Partner with translational teams to assess engineered systems in relevant biological contexts.
- Communicate findings and recommendations clearly, maintain rigorous documentation, and contribute to technical reports, intellectual property, and publications.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
