Senior Scientist - R&D Operations

Monod Bio • Seattle, WA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of protein science, technical transfer, quality gates, and cross-functional execution. You will create systems that ensure the right data, the right material quality, and the right timelines reliably reach internal stakeholders and partners.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in biochemistry, protein engineering, molecular biology, chemical engineering, or related field; or equivalent industry experience
• A minimum of 5+ years of directly related experience including at least 2 years of experience supervising others
• Strong hands-on experience with recombinant protein production and purification
• Demonstrated experience with protein characterization tools and interpretation (e.g., SEC/SEC-MALS, SDS-PAGE, binding kinetics via BLI/SPR, thermal stability methods such as DSF/CD, or comparable assays)
• Proven ability to create and enforce quality standards, documentation practices, and reproducible workflows
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and shifting timelines
• High ownership: identifies gaps, closes loops, and drives outcomes
• Strong scientific judgment with pragmatic execution bias
• Clear communicator who can translate technical findings into actionable plans and timelines.
• Collaborative, hands-on leader who raises the bar without creating bureaucracy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing tech transfer to external partners (e.g., contract manufacturing or service providers) and qualifying inbound material.
• Experience building R&D operational systems (templates, trackers, release packets, readiness checklists, cadence).
• Familiarity with modern R&D data systems (e.g., Benchling or similar ELN/LIMS tools).
• Experience supporting application-facing validation (assay fit-for-purpose, customer requirements translation).

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve a scalable, end-to-end operational pipeline supporting internal programs and external partnerships
• Build and maintain systems to track project and batch status, dependencies, risks, and timelines, ensuring visibility and accountability across stakeholders
• Act as a coordination point between internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment and reliable execution
• Define, establish, and enforce release criteria and quality gates for protein materials across development stages and handoffs
• Standardize data and deliverable packages (e.g., identity, purity, aggregation/SEC, yield, stability, binding performance), ensuring completeness and quality prior to downstream use or transfer
• Own external deliverables, including technical transfer packages, documentation, and Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).
• Proactively identify risks and issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent downstream failures through rigorous review and clear acceptance criteria
• Spend meaningful time in the lab to build deep familiarity with workflows, instrumentation, and common failure modes, while driving improvements in reliability, throughput, and reproducibility
• Troubleshoot protein production and characterization challenges (e.g., solubility, aggregation, purity, stability, assay or method issues), coordinating solutions with appropriate technical owners
• Oversee laboratory operations and instrumentation to ensure efficient, compliant, and high-quality day-to-day execution
• Establish and standardize protocols to drive consistency and operational excellence
• Manage inventory systems to ensure accurate tracking, availability, and organization of materials
• Lead and mentor technical associates, setting priorities, guiding daily activities, and ensuring strong performance and accountability
• Other duties and projects as needed or assigned

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, life/AD&D, and vision insurance premiums for employees scheduled to work 25+ hours per week. 50% paid premiums for eligible dependents
• 4 weeks of PTO accrual per anniversary year plus 11 paid calendar year holidays
• Parental leave benefit
• State-of-the-art lab and office on bus line and near coffee shops, restaurants, and South Lake Union neighborhood
• Casual environment, friendly colleagues, and of course, excellent snacks in the kitchen!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees