Staff / Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry
About The Position
At Glyphic Biotechnologies, we are developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform that will transform life science discovery and usher in a new era of insights into human biology and disease. We have raised over $80M from venture partners and non-dilutive grant funding. We are seeking a Senior or Staff Scientist, Bioconjugation to join our Chemistry team at a pivotal stage in assay development. Reporting to the Senior Director of Chemistry, this role involves designing, developing, and executing bioconjugation strategies for peptide and oligonucleotide components that are central to our single-molecule proteome sequencing assay. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in protein and peptide bioconjugation, site-specific chemical modification of amino acid sidechains, and oligonucleotide-biomolecule conjugation, with a track record of working in complex, multi-component systems. A successful candidate will have an innovative method-development mindset and will effectively build new approaches to making bioconjugates. This individual will thrive in a cross-functional environment where chemical solutions must be tightly integrated into assay design. This role offers the unique opportunity to develop first-in-class conjugation chemistry that enables single-molecule protein sequencing. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.
Requirements
- MS or PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field
- Industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry, with demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, and troubleshoot conjugation workflows
- MS/PhD with 8+/6+ years of experience (for Staff Scientist)
- MS/PhD with 6+/4+ years of experience (for Senior Scientist)
- Deep expertise in protein and/or peptide bioconjugation: NHS esters, maleimides, click chemistries (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA), isothiocyanate coupling, and related bioorthogonal approaches
- Experience with site-specific amino acid sidechain chemistry beyond maleimide chemistry (e.g. Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, Asp/Glu) for application in multistep workflows
- Track record developing novel blocking groups and conducting SAR studies to optimize blocking group performance and selectivity
- Proficiency in analytical characterization: HPLC method development, LC-MS/MS for conjugate analysis, UV/Vis, and CE
- Method-development mindset: history of building and adapting new chemical approaches rather than executing established protocols
- Demonstrated ability to function as an independent contributor and collaborative partner in a cross-functional team setting
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), including protecting group strategies beyond standard Fmoc/Boc and selective on-resin modifications
- Experience with peptide C-terminal chemistry manipulation methods: thioester formation, native chemical ligation, or photoredox/iridium-catalyzed C-terminal labeling
- Familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry and oligo-conjugation techniques (ITC, phosphoramidite modifications, click coupling to nucleic acids)
- Experience with scalable surface chemistry methods for flow cells or solid-phase supports
- Familiarity with statistical and DOE-based experimental design for chemistry optimization
- Prior experience in an early-stage biotech or tools/diagnostics company
Responsibilities
- Partner with sample prep and assay development to screen and select conjugation chemistries for peptides and oligonucleotides that enable single molecule protein sequencing
- Design bioconjugation workflows using NHS-ester chemistry, maleimides, isothiocyanate chemistry, and click chemistry (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA)
- Prepare bioconjugation reagents to enable studies from proof-of-concept through prototype-kitting.
- Develop labeling strategies based on Edman Chemistry
- Develop and apply selective C-terminal and N-terminal conjugation chemistries
- Develop site-specific labeling strategies for amino acid sidechains (Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, His, Asp/Glu) on native peptides. Screen protecting groups to enhance amino acid signal in the protein sequencing assay
- Enable on-bead workflow to label and release peptides for interrogation in the sequencing assay
- Synthesize and purify peptide and oligonucleotide conjugates for assay testing
- Characterize conjugation efficiency, purity, and stability using tools such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, CE, UV/Vis, and FTIR
- Scale conjugate synthesis from R&D quantities to prototype-grade supply for internal testing, with attention to reproducibility, shelf-life, and fit-for-purpose quality
- Work cross-functionally with sample preparation, assay integration, and reagent manufacturing teams to troubleshoot conjugation failures and optimize workflows
- Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures
- Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in Confluence and laboratory notebooks; author and maintain SOPs for new conjugation methods
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
