Senior Associate Scientist I/II - Protein Testing

Arzeda • Seattle, WA

17d • Onsite

About The Position

Arzeda is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Associate Scientist to join its collaborative Protein Testing team in Seattle, Washington. The role supports Arzeda’s protein design-test cycle by generating and characterizing proteins and producing decision-quality data that informs scientific decisions and advances programs. The position is approximately 75% laboratory work and 25% data analysis, reporting, and collaboration, and reports to a senior member of the team. It is onsite, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work.

The scientist will perform bacterial and yeast protein expression, purification, quantification, and characterization; contribute to biochemical assays; improve experimental workflows; document results in the LIMS system; and work with automation, software, and data infrastructure teams. The role offers ownership of protein production activities, exposure to multiple protein and assay systems, and contributions to programs that include commercializing an industrial enzyme application for consumer products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of relevant industry experience, or a Master’s degree and at least 2 years of relevant industry experience, in Biocatalysis, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with protein expression, purification, quantification, and characterization.
• Experience evaluating data sets, preparing reports, and presenting findings and/or results from data analysis.
• Initiative to independently identify, understand, and resolve experimental challenges.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Desire to communicate openly within a team and be receptive to feedback and learning opportunities.
• Adaptability to changing plans as needed to meet goals.
• Ability to work onsite Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; the company is unable to sponsor employment visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing or operating automated experimental workflows and high-throughput systems.
• Interest in coding or Python for data visualization and analysis.
• Cell-free protein synthesis experience.
• Hands-on experience programming a variety of automation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct small- and mid-scale expression of bacterial and yeast strains using plate- and flask-based methods.
• Perform small-, mid-, and large-scale protein purification from bacterial and yeast hosts using plate-based methods, resins, magnetic beads, gravity columns, and FPLC.
• Perform basic protein quantification and characterization, including SDS-PAGE, LabChip, and plate-based protein quantification methods.
• Plan and execute experiments collaboratively, adapting to changes as needed based on expertise and project awareness.
• Expand coverage of project workflows by executing biochemical assays with produced proteins.
• Independently propose, plan, and execute improvement projects to make workflows more robust, higher throughput, and reproducible.
• Contribute to experimental reporting and participate in technical discussions during project meetings.
• Partner with automation, software, and data infrastructure teams to implement robotic liquid handling, assay orchestration, and streamlined data analysis pipelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experimental results in the LIMS system.
• Support team members with general project activities and other assigned work.

Benefits

• Equity as part of a comprehensive compensation package.
• Participation in the company bonus program.
• Paid time off.
• Company-observed holidays, including a company-paid holiday closure between December 25 and January 1.
• Paid medical and family leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Health Savings Account options.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior