Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Development (Chemistry)

Glyphic Biotechnologies • Berkeley, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Glyphic Biotechnologies is developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform to transform life science discovery. We are seeking a Senior or Staff Scientist to join our Assay Development team at a critical stage in platform development. This role will focus on the chemistry-assay interface, developing chemical methods for sample loading, conjugation, cleavage, and stabilization for our single-molecule proteome sequencing platform. You will collaborate with the Chemistry team on sample input methods for new protein and peptide types, including side-chain protection strategies, encoder loading routes, and peptide-from-protein handoff approaches. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in peptide chemistry, bioorthogonal and click conjugation strategies, and cleavage chemistry development, with a proven ability to create new chemical methods for complex systems. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position located in Berkeley, CA.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Industry experience designing multi-step chemical workflows in complex biological systems, including sequencing or determining the order of chemical manipulations across assay conditions.
• MS/PhD with 6+/4+ years of experience (for Senior Scientist) or MS/PhD with 8+/6+ years of experience (for Staff Scientist).
• Demonstrated experience developing site-selective bioconjugation chemistry for native peptides—including N-terminal, C-terminal, and side-chain modification strategies—using click chemistry (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA), NHS-ester coupling, and related bioorthogonal approaches in multi-component peptide systems.
• Experience developing multi-step workflows using peptides, oligonucleotides and bioconjugation techniques including in solution and on surfaces.
• Proficiency with analytical characterization of complex conjugates and assay intermediates: HPLC (RP and IEX), LC-MS/MS, UV-Vis; demonstrated ability to develop and validate analytical methods for novel chemical entities.
• Method-development mindset: history of building and adapting new chemical approaches rather than executing established protocols.
• Ability to function as both an independent contributor and a collaborative partner in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work seamlessly with colleagues from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with nanopore or single-molecule sequencing chemistry, and the demands it places on assay reagent purity, stability, and uniformity.
• Experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), including on-resin modification, selective sidechain deprotection, and non-standard protecting group strategies.
• Familiarity with statistical and DOE-based experimental design for chemistry optimization.
• Prior experience in an early-stage biotech or tools/diagnostics company.

Responsibilities

• Optimize bioconjugation methods for peptide loading into the expansion assay, establishing robust, high-efficiency loading protocols that perform reliably across diverse peptide populations and physicochemical characteristics.
• Identify, characterize, and optimize peptide labeling during the ProSE sequencing assay, leveraging mechanistic understanding of Edman chemistry and amino acid side-chain reactivity and stability.
• Develop reagents and methods to maximize the stability of peptides, DNA, and peptide-DNA chimeras throughout the ProSE sequencing assay.
• Partner with the Chemistry team to develop amino acid side-chain protection chemistries.
• Evaluate compatibility of new chemistries with existing assay components, reagents, and multi-cycle sequencing conditions.
• Evaluate emerging chemistries from the literature and internal pipeline; synthesize and test candidate reagents.
• Design and determine the order of operations for chemical manipulations within the assay workflow, including decisions on when specific steps occur on-bead versus off-bead, and how side-chain protection and deprotection strategies are sequenced relative to assay cycles, to ensure compatibility, efficiency, and analytical interpretability.
• Optimize selective cleavage chemistry workflows for use within the sequencing assay for efficiency, selectivity, and compatibility with assay conditions.
• Develop stabilization strategies for sensitive assay intermediates and conjugates.
• Employ analytical methods—HPLC (RP and IEX), LC-MS/MS, UV-Vis, CE—to characterize conjugation efficiency, adduct identity, purity, and stability of assay intermediates and conjugates.
• Characterize and troubleshoot the impact of the chemical steps of multi-cycle workflows.

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

What This Job Offers

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