Staff / Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry
$123,000 - $187,575
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Posted 3 days ago
SENIORITY
Senior
SALARY
$123,000 - $187,575
About the role
- 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.
- Peptide chemistry:
- 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, characterize, and scale:
- 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 FTIRScale conjugate synthesis from R&D quantities to prototype-grade supply for internal testing, with attention to reproducibility, shelf-life, and fit-for-purpose quality
- Collaborate and document:
- 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
- What you need
- 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
- Collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
- Direct impact on product development and company direction
- Professional growth :Learn from a diverse team of world-class scientists and engineers
- Contribute to first-of-their kind technologies, high-impact publications, and patents
- Employee Stock Option Plan 100% Health Plan Coverage for Employees & Dependents (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
- Employer Retirement Contributions to 401(k)
- Generous Paid Time OffPaid Maternity and Paternity LeaveHealth & Wellbeing Program
- Office Snacks and Beverages
- Regular Team Bonding Activities
Before you apply
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Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
