Senior Assay Scientist, Protein Engineering

Element Biosciences is a multi-disciplinary startup focused on innovating genetic analysis tools for the research and clinical markets. The Company's technology will broaden the end user experience through improved data quality and simplified workflows to benefit discoveries and diagnosis in healthcare.

We are seeking a scientist contributor to work with cross-functional departments to understand enzyme requirements and build assays and characterization tools to determine if enzymes meet specifications. This position requires the technical expertise and drive to work independently and in combination with a small team to deliver understanding and mitigations to enzyme performance and stability.  Characterization methods will employ both solution-based and surface interaction-based studies. The Assay Scientist develops advanced methods/techniques for testing and evaluation and will provide project leadership, technical consultation, work direction, and training to junior personnel. Must be comfortable working without appreciable direction on assigned projects/programs and assisting in determining objectives of assignments.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to characterize biophysical and biochemical properties of polymerases and DNA modifying enzymes
• Independently develop methods to characterize stability and activity of enzymes used in NGS-based applications
• Design novel, high-throughput assays to identify candidate enzymes with desired functionalities
• Develop quality control methods and documentation practices to qualify enzymes for commercial release
• Collaborate with other teams and cross-function departments to support enzymology needs prior to and through commercialization of technology
• Present research summaries and develop research plans

Requirements:

• Doctoral (Ph.D.) or Master’s Degree (M.S.) in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering or a related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience (an equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered)
• Capability to independently develop and qualify assays for characterizing protein stability and function
• Experience with bioanalytical protein methods and biochemical assay of polymerases and other DNA interacting enzymes
• Thorough understanding of the biophysical properties of protein folding, enzymatic function, and rational design of protein mutants
• Ability to independently drive scientific progress and deliver on corporate goals and timelines
• Lead root-cause identification of enzyme performance and implement mitigations
• Comfortable working with all levels of an organization, from peers to management with relationships built on respect, integrity, cooperation, teamwork and professionalism
• Excellent problem solving and project management skills
• Desired experience in biophysical protein characterization of polymerases, next-generation sequencing, molecular biology, and reagent development

We are passionate about our mission to develop high performing products to study genomics in an unprecedented flexibility and to understand biology for the improvement of healthcare. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment.  We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.   We offer excellent benefits, which include a 401K plan, competitive health benefits, flexible vacation, and equity incentives. 

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.