Staff Scientist, Protein Chemistry & Library Prep
About The Position
Nautilus is developing a single-molecule protein analysis platform intended to improve access to proteomic insights and support drug development and precision medicine. The Staff Scientist will lead protein handling and bioconjugation for a new sample preparation workflow, designing how proteins are prepared, labeled, and attached to the platform and establishing ways to verify each step. The role owns library preparation from initial strategy and experiments through a robust, documented protocol that other teams can use. It works closely with assay development, probe development, and bioinformatics, while setting technical direction, mentoring team members, and presenting plans and recommendations to R&D leadership.
Requirements
- PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related field with 10 or more years of industry experience; or a BS/MS with 15 or more years in a related field.
- Deep hands-on expertise in handling, purifying, and stabilizing proteins.
- Demonstrated innovation in protein bioconjugation, such as site-selective labeling, click chemistry, crosslinkers, or surface immobilization.
- Expertise in protein characterization, including mass spectrometry, SEC, DLS, CD, SDS-PAGE/native PAGE, and activity or binding assays.
- Ability to take a workflow from concept to a robust, reproducible protocol used by other teams.
- Exceptional experimental design and data analysis skills, including multifactor experiments.
- Track record of leading cross-functional technical work and influencing without authority.
- Experience mentoring scientists and setting technical direction for a team.
Nice To Haves
- Background in sequencing, proteomics, or single-molecule library preparation.
- Experience with automation or liquid handling for sample preparation.
- Startup or early-stage product development experience.
Responsibilities
- Own the proteomics sample preparation workflow end to end, from strategy and initial experiments to a robust protocol others can run.
- Lead development of bioconjugation strategies to label and immobilize proteins while minimizing impact on protein integrity.
- Build characterization methods to determine what is conjugated, intact, aggregated, or lost at each workflow step.
- Set quality metrics and acceptance criteria for prepared protein sample libraries and use them to make go/no-go decisions.
- Design complex, multifactor experiments that provide decisive direction for the program.
- Drive root-cause analysis and permanent corrective actions when the workflow fails.
- Partner with assay, probe development, and bioinformatics teams to integrate library preparation into the full workflow and interpret results.
- Present plans, results, and recommendations to the team and R&D leadership.
- Set technical direction for library preparation, mentor scientists and associates, and contribute to program-level tradeoffs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
