Senior/Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Skyhook • Cambridge, MA

1d

About The Position

We are seeking an innovative, self-motivated, and team-oriented Senior/Principal Scientist to join our growing Protein Engineering team. This individual will have a passion for developing assays to drive the interrogation of protein libraries using a variety of biochemical, cellular, and molecular techniques. The role will help lead the team by executing, analyzing, and presenting experiments to drive platform activities and improvements. They will lead from the bench, working closely with our cross-functional teams as a key contributor to our R&D programs. As a member of a growing and engaged team, this scientist will have the opportunity to take part in leading innovative research and development, and work with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced startup environment.

Requirements

• A PhD in Biochemistry, Biological/Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biology with 5+ years of laboratory experience or a Master’s degree in a related field with 10+ years of laboratory experience
• Titling will be commensurate with experience.
• Expertise in biochemistry, enzyme/protein characterization (e.g., assay development, kinetics, library designs, substrate profiling)
• Proficient in common molecular cloning techniques and sequencing (E.g., DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, NGS library generation)
• Some familiarity with binder engineering (affinity/specificity), selection, and characterization
• Experience managing project teams, junior scientists, and researcher associates
• Strong analytical skills, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and adept at building strong relationships across teams
• Highly adaptable, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and
• Self-motivated, proactive, and collaborative approach; driven to achieve scientific and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, design, and execution for protein engineering projects
• Design, construct, and validate protein variant libraries using our internal synthesis and testing platform
• Collaborate with AI/ML scientists to develop novel constructs and assays to explore diverse functionalities using molecular methods
• Conduct and support biomolecular experiments with high precision and reliability
• Manage cross-functional projects and external collaborations through data generation, analysis, interpretation, and presentation
• Mentor junior lab members to help develop their scientific and professional growth
• Use literature searches, follow Standard Operating Protocols, and generate new ones when necessary to devise cutting edge techniques and approaches, and
• Use experimental and scientific insights to devise and collaborate on the writing of patents and scientific publications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree