Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Research
About The Position
Glyphic Biotechnologies is developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform. The Assay Research Scientist will establish novel assay workflows, define requirements for components such as beads, surface chemistries, and sample preparation approaches, and develop proxy assays that predict multi-cycle ProSE performance. The role works at the interface of molecular biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and automation, partnering closely with Chemistry and Integration teams to connect assay outcomes with physical and chemical mechanisms and translate those insights into component requirements. The scientist will design and execute experiments to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of Glyphic’s protein sequencing by expansion (ProSE) process. They will build mechanistically grounded, predictive assays to accelerate development and improve the technology. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position at the company’s Berkeley, California location, reporting to the Director of Assay Development.
Requirements
- Post-graduate experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. For Staff Scientist: BS with 10+ years, MS with 8+ years, or PhD with 6+ years. For Senior Scientist: BS with 8+ years, MS with 6+ years, or PhD with 4+ years.
- Track record of establishing novel assay workflows for highly sensitive molecular assays, such as PCR-free sequencing or single-cell assays, with clear evidence of ownership and innovation.
- Hands-on experience defining functional requirements for new components, such as beads, oligos, chemical handles, surface properties, or molecular biology reagents, and translating assay results into specifications that guide selection or design.
- Demonstrated ability to design simple, mechanistically defined test systems that stand in for full-length experiments and identify the variable responsible for performance changes.
- Comprehensive understanding of molecular biology tools used in high-sensitivity applications.
- Strong foundation in nucleic acid and peptide chemistry, including identifying common sources of damage such as oxidation, depurination, and hydrolysis, and methods to avoid or mitigate those effects.
- Fluency in multimodal characterization, such as fluorescence, flow cytometry, zeta potential, and bead or surface metrology, and ability to link physical measurements to assay performance.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with nanopore or other single-molecule detection platforms and their input-material requirements.
- Experience with statistical analysis of mixed-effects and replicated data, and establishing quantitative agreement between proxy measurements and real data.
- Experience with LC-MS and HPLC for characterizing biomolecules.
- Experience with bead-based automation on instruments such as KingFisher or Hamilton.
- Familiarity with accelerated or repeated-exposure stability testing.
- Familiarity with emerging trends and techniques in proteomic measurements.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute experiments to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of the ProSE process.
- Establish novel assay workflows and determine requirements for new components needed to support them.
- Develop proxy assays that isolate workflow and component variables and predict multi-cycle performance without a full end-to-end run.
- Propose, design, and test analytical approaches to optimize and build predictive understanding of sample preparation, molecular expansion chemistry, automation, and their integration into a robust end-to-end assay.
- Correlate assay findings with physical system characteristics using multimodal characterization, and translate assay outcomes and mechanistic understanding into component requirements.
- Identify, communicate, and help address experimental risks or resource gaps, including reagent supply and instrument issues.
- Partner with Assay Development peers to deliver team goals and prioritize experiments.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers in Chemistry, Assay Integration, Automation, and Bioinformatics on shared requirements and cross-functional projects.
- Collect, manage, and analyze data from molecular biology and protein sequencing experiments.
- Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook in Confluence.
- Communicate and present results in a timely manner.
Benefits
- Employee Stock Option Plan.
- 100% health plan coverage for employees and dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.
- Employer retirement contributions to a 401(k).
- Generous paid time off.
- Paid maternity and paternity leave.
- Health and wellbeing program.
- Office snacks and beverages.
- Regular team bonding activities.
- Collaborative culture where ideas and expertise are valued and bold, innovative thinking is encouraged.
- Direct impact on product development and company direction.
- Access to cutting-edge technology in a top-tier life science facility.
- Opportunities to contribute to patents and publications and to advance with expanding responsibilities as the organization scales.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
