Senior Scientist, Analytical Operations

Prolific Machines•Emeryville, CA

About The Position

Prolific Machines is developing an optogenetic platform that uses light to enable dynamic control over cellular behavior. The Analytical Chemistry team seeks a Senior Scientist to execute and improve core analytical procedures for titer determination and product quality assessment, and to design and perform characterization supporting cell line development (CLD) and bioprocess development (BPD). The position combines hands-on laboratory work, team resourcing coordination, and people management. The Senior Scientist will oversee core platform assays and characterization workflows, deliver reliable data on agreed timelines, and turn results into recommendations for clone selection and process decisions. The role includes improving workflow throughput, maintaining assay quality and performance, troubleshooting analytical issues, documenting methods and results, and managing analytical instrumentation. The scientist will also train and mentor Research Associates and Scientists and establish clear expectations for execution, documentation, and reporting.

Requirements

PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 5+ years of biologics industry experience; alternatively, an MS or BS with equivalent relevant industry experience.
Track record of measurably improving analytical workflow throughput, turnaround, or robustness in a high-volume setting.
Deep hands-on expertise in chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for biologics, such as Protein A, SEC, RP, IEX, CE-SDS, and icIEF, including troubleshooting.
Hands-on LC-MS experience in protein characterization, including intact and subunit mass, peptide mapping, PTM and glycan analysis, and experience with MS data-processing software.
Experience leading biologic characterization for a project team, including designing studies, interpreting complex or conflicting data, and making clear recommendations.
Statistical thinking applied to experimental design and interpretation.
Experience effectively managing Research Associates and early-career scientists.
Strong organization skills and ability to balance routine delivery with project work and make trade-offs explicit.
Strong communication skills and comfort presenting at multiple levels of technical detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience with complex modalities such as bispecifics and fusion proteins.
Experience with CHO-based expression and process development.
Familiarity with phase-appropriate method qualification (ICH Q2(R2)/Q14) and IND-enabling CMC analytics.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day execution of core platform assays for CLD and BPD programs, including Protein A titer, SEC, CE-SDS, icIEF, intact/subunit mass, and released glycans.
Deliver data on agreed turnaround times with consistent, documented quality.
Manage and coordinate Research Associates across multiple projects.
Translate analytical results into recommendations for clone selection and process decisions.
Identify and remove bottlenecks across sample intake and preparation, instrument scheduling, data processing, and review.
Own system suitability criteria, control standards, and performance trending for high-volume characterizations.
Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations when assay drift is observed.
Design, run, and interpret characterization studies, including size and charge variants, PTMs, glycosylation, intact and subunit mass, peptide mapping, and assembly of multispecific formats.
Write and maintain methods, SOPs, processing templates, and reports to ensure data consistency across analysts.
Manage and maintain analytical instrumentation, including preventative maintenance, calibration, and coordination with instrument vendors.
Train and mentor Research Associates and Scientists on assay execution and characterization, and set standards for execution, documentation, and reporting.