Staff Scientist

Quantum-Si•San Diego, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a Staff Scientist in Applications Development team with a focus on proteomics to play a pivotal role in advancing QSI technology. In this position, you will be responsible for developing innovative methods aimed at the preparation of peptides and proteins from a diverse range of biological sample inputs. These methods will be optimized for sequencing on QSI’s single molecule protein sequencing platform. This is an individual contributor role requiring expertise in sample preparation, protocol optimization and application development. Your work will further enhance the capabilities and impact of our sequencing platform, supporting its continued growth and adoption within the field of proteomics.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Proteomics, or related discipline. Postdoctoral experience in proteomics research is preferred.
6+ years working in sample preparation, protein extraction, purification and sample preparation for bottom-up proteomics application.
Experience with protein purification, immunoprecipitation (IP) for exploration of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, separation, and analysis using techniques such as liquid chromatography, electrophoresis, and gel free approaches from various biological samples including cancer cell lines, human/mouse tissues and body fluids such as plasma, saliva, urine and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Extensive experience of handling (maintaining) different cell lines, tissues and biofluids. Experience in extraction of proteins from cell lysates, tissue and biofluids.
Expertise in executing quantitative luciferase reporter assays.
Solid understanding of standard protein quantification methods (e.g., BCA, Bradford).
Familiarity with standard lab equipment such as luminometers, plate readers, and homogenizers.
Experience with cell culture techniques, including transfection and maintenance of different cancer cell lines
Designing and implementing experimental strategies to enrich proteins, characterize proteins biochemically, with focus on PTMs (phosphorylation/glycosylation), and protein-protein interactions.
Proven expertise in chemical synthesis, molecular biology, and bioanalytical techniques.
Strong analytical aptitude with expertise in data interpretation and statistical analysis.
Effective communication skills ( both written and verbal).
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to be flexible and move to different projects.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mass spectrometry instrumentation and techniques used in bottom-up proteomics.
Developing protocols and assays for single molecule detection.
Experience using statistical analysis software.

Responsibilities

Developing kits, protocols, and applications to the market to support next-generation protein sequencing adoption and usage.
Creating and implementing sample preparation methods for preparing peptide libraries from digested proteins across various mammalian tissues (such as liver, brain, kidney), cells and body fluids.
Establishing a sample preparation workflow for analyzing various post-translational modification to assess signaling pathways in disease contexts, with the goal of optimizing protocols suitable for next generation protein sequencing.
Employing techniques such as quantitative luminescence-based assays (including single and dual-luciferase reporter assays), chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, and molecular biology to prepare proteins and peptides from various samples for sequencing.
Improving current and developing new protein library preparation procedures to ensure reproducibility, reliability, and scalability.
Analyzing scientific data using statistical approaches and software tools to inform decisions and continually improve protocols and system performance.
Keeping detailed records of experiments, methods, and results in compliance with company standards to ensure traceability and accuracy.