(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 >$80M 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 chemistry R&D and early-scale enablement for our single molecule protein sequencing platform. Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, you will own the invention, prototyping, and delivery of assay components across oligonucleotide chemistry, peptide chemistry, and bioconjugation. Assay defining chemical components are needed across sample preparation, surface, and protein sequencing chemistry. As a successful leader in this role, you will invent novel chemistries and bioconjugation strategies while working cross-functionally to enable high-quality single molecule signal for nanopore-based protein sequencing. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.
Requirements
- PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field
- 12+ years of experience in reagent-, assay-, or tools-oriented chemistry, including 4+ years of leading teams and projects
- Deep expertise in bioconjugation, with strength in peptide chemistry and/or oligonucleotide chemistry
- Demonstrated experience developing novel nucleic acid chemistries (e.g., new base pairing strategies, new phosphoramidites)
- Proven experience designing chemistry for assay compatibility, robustness, and performance, and to translate discovery-phase chemistry into usable prototype reagents
- Proficiency with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, fluorescence-based assays, and related methods
- Leadership competencies that include:
- Prioritizing and allocating resources across multiple concurrent projects, focusing team effort on the highest-impact initiatives aligned with company goals
- Technical leadership, mentorship, and clear linkage between scientific execution and business outcomes
- Effective communication of priorities, progress, and results to senior leadership, translating company strategy into actionable direction for teams
- Strategic impact beyond individual projects, contributing to cross-functional planning and balancing near-term execution with long-term success
- Ability to operate independently with strong ownership in dynamic startup environments, balancing strategic planning with hands-on problem solving
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with single-molecule or next-generation sequencing chemistries and assays
- Experience with selective manipulation and modification of peptides (C/N-terminus and side chains)
- Knowledge of proteomics techniques
- Exposure to early IP strategy or invention disclosure processes and a track record of patents filed
- Prior experience in an early-stage biotech or tools company
Responsibilities
- Set the strategy and technical roadmap for a chemistry team to deliver assay-enabling components
- Serve as the internal subject-matter expert for chemistry across the platform
- Design and prototype novel chemical components spanning oligonucleotide chemistry, peptide chemistry, and bioconjugation for application in sample preparation, sequencing surface, and sequencing chemistries
- Partner with assay, engineering and data science to develop and evaluate chemistries that support signal generation, specificity, and low background
- Provide fit-for-purpose scaling of chemical components to ensure assays can be run reliably for internal evaluation, demos, and early users
- Establish lightweight specifications for identity, purity, and performance appropriate for prototype reagents
- Transition discovery-phase chemistry toward more structured reagent production as assay needs evolve
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a small, high-impact chemistry team
- Foster a collaborative, data-driven chemistry culture tightly integrated with cross-functional teams
- Define priorities, track OKRs, budgets, and timelines to meet aggressive startup milestones.
- Drive technology innovation, intellectual property strategy, and competitive landscape analysis
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
