
Research Scientist, Protein Sciences
United States - California - Foster CityResearchRegularОписание вакансии
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team. This individual will lead from the bench while owning end‑to‑end responsibility for the design, expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant proteins supporting multiple CAR‑T and cell therapy programs.
The successful candidate will function as an individual scientific contributor and operational leader, partnering closely with Cell Biology, Protein Science, and cross‑functional teams, while also serving as a day‑to‑day lab and capability owner across protein production and analytics workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Molecule Design & Scientific Contribution
Design and engineer fit‑for‑purpose recombinant proteins, including immunogens, target proteins, antibodies, and protein variants to support discovery and development programs
Contribute to molecule design decisions, construct strategy, and experimental planning in partnership with project teams
Apply protein engineering principles to optimize expression, stability, and performance
Protein Production & Analytics
This role is primarily wet-lab-based and requires regular on-site laboratory presence
Execute and optimize protein expression and purification across multiple expression systems (including cell maintenance and transfections). Experience with AKTA chromatography platforms is required.
Perform antibody and protein conjugations, with appropriate analytical characterization
Lead biophysical and biochemical characterization, including SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, UPLC/HPLC analysis, and binding assays (e.g., Octet/BLI)
Interpret and communicate analytical data to inform project decisions and next‑step prioritization
Technology Development & Continuous Improvement
Develop, optimize, and implement new protein production and analytical workflows to improve quality, throughput, and reproducibility
Identify gaps in capabilities and proactively propose solutions or process improvements
Operational & Lab Leadership
Function as a lab lead, including oversight of shared equipment, reagent organization, documentation standards, and day‑to‑day lab operations
Demonstrated commitment to high‑quality documentation and data integrity, with proven experience using electronic lab notebooks and LIMS platforms (e.g., Benchling) to support reproducibility, traceability, and cross‑team collaboration. Design workflow templates and contribute to improvement of workflow digitization.
Coordinate work across multiple projects, balancing priorities and timelines with minimal supervision
Team & Communication
Train, mentor, and technically support junior scientists and staff
Communicate plans, data, and conclusions clearly in both written reports and oral presentations
Provide strong scientific and operational partnership through effective cross-functional communication and collaboration
Basic Qualifications
Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD)
ORMaster’s degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience
ORBachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
Industry and/or post‑doctoral experience with demonstrated scientific independence, supported by peer-reviewed publications and presentations
Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, with strong time management and adaptability
Deep expertise in recombinant protein expression, purification, and analytics
Demonstrated ability to own complex workflows end‑to‑end, from design through data interpretation
Proven troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in a fast‑paced, multi‑program environment
Demonstrated expertise in biomolecular binding affinity and kinetics measurements using Biolayer Interferometry (BLI, e.g., Octet) and/or Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
Experience acting as an informal lab lead or operational owner
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high‑quality data generation
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment