Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Research

Glyphic Biotechnologies is developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform. The Assay Research Scientist reports to the Director of Assay Development, establishes novel assay workflows, defines requirements for new components such as beads, surface chemistries, and sample prep approaches, and develops proxy assays that predict multi-cycle ProSE performance. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position at the Berkeley, CA location.

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and execute experiments to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of Glyphic's protein sequencing by expansion (ProSE) process; Establish novel assay workflows and determine requirements for novel 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 novel analytical approaches to optimize critical components of the ProSE process; Correlate assay findings to physical characteristics of the system using multimodal characterization; Proactively identify, communicate, and help address experimental risks or resource gaps; Partner with peers on the Assay Development team to deliver team goals; Collaborate with Chemistry, Assay Integration, Automation and Bioinformatics teams to define shared requirements; Collect, manage, and analyze data from molecular biology and protein sequencing experiments; Keep a detailed electronic lab notebook on Confluence; Communicate and present results in a timely manner

Requirements

Post-graduate experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related fields; BS/MS/PhD with 10+/8+/6+ years (for Staff Scientist) or 8+/6+/4+ years (for Senior Scientist); Track record of establishing novel assay workflows for highly sensitive molecular assays (e.g., PCR-free sequencing, single-cell assays); Hands-on history of defining what a new component (e.g., beads, oligos, chemical handles, surface properties, molecular biology reagents) must do and turning assay results into specifications; Demonstrated ability to design simple, mechanistically defined test systems that stand in for full-length experiments; Comprehensive understanding of molecular biology tools used for high-sensitivity applications; Strong foundation in nucleic acid and peptide chemistry, including identifying sources of damage (such as oxidation, depurination, and hydrolysis) and methods to mitigate them; Fluency in multimodal characterization (e.g., fluorescence, flow cytometry, zeta potential, bead or surface metrology) and linking those measurements to assay performance; Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities

Nice to have

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, 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

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; Play a key role in producing patents and publications; Opportunities for advancement as the organization scales