Research Scientist, Protein Sciences

About Us
At EvolutionaryScale, our mission is to harness artificial intelligence to unlock the complexities of biology for the benefit of human health and society. Through open, safe, and responsible research, we push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in biological discovery. Over the next decade, we envision AI transforming the design of biological systems, enabling programmable molecules and cells. To realize this vision, we are building the foundation models that will empower this revolution.

We prioritize individuals who demonstrate excellence and creativity in their fields, valuing innovative thinking over specific domain expertise. While expertise in both biology and AI is highly valued, it is not a requirement for joining our team.

At EvolutionaryScale, we engage in both cutting-edge research and development in machine learning, creating the most advanced AI models for biology and life sciences. Achieving this requires collaboration between elite engineers and scientists, working together to solve significant research and product challenges. Our multidisciplinary team spans AI research, engineering, biology, and business, emphasizing strong communication and teamwork across roles.

Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist I-Protein Sciences to join our team to further support our AI-guided protein design efforts. The ideal candidate will have experience in protein engineering, molecular biology, and biochemistry, with a focus on protein expression, purification, and binding characterization. The ideal candidate will excel in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment, driven by a strong passion for research and the development of innovative workflows. They will play a key role in advancing protein design using artificial intelligence, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in the field. This position offers opportunities to grow within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology techniques, including cloning and construct design, to support protein engineering projects.
• Conduct protein expression and purification in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems
• Characterize protein interactions and binding using biophysical techniques such as Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) or Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR).
• Develop rapid and high-throughput selection or screening techniques to support AI/ML protein design and validation
• Develop accurate and informative assays for biophysical characterization of AI-designed proteins
• Coordinate experimental design and execution internally and externally with CROs
• Serve as a thought leader in biological applications of AI/ML protein design
• Present data to key stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare and write SOPs, technical reports, and research documentation.
• Process and organize experimental data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
• Assist in assay development and optimization, including ELISA and protein stability assays.
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and ensure compliance with internal and external guidelines.

Preferred Skills

• Practical knowledge of protein engineering, cloning and protein expression systems.
• Experience with protein purification by affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography.
• Experience with mammalian expression for the production of antibodies or recombinant proteins.
• Experience with display technologies such as phage, yeast, or mammalian display.
• Familiarity with techniques for measuring protein stability or aggregation. 
• Experience with ELISA and protein stability assays.
• Experience with experimental structural biology is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with NGS data analysis is a plus.
• Proficiency with Python data analysis is a plus. 

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field with 1-2 years of industry experience. 
• Strong proficiency in cloning, protein expression, purification, and binding characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong skills in data processing, record keeping, and writing reports.
• Experience leading a team of junior scientists is a plus
• Experience with structural biology, computational protein design, bioinformatics is a plus
• Experience with experimental or computational structural biology is a plus

Salary 

We offer competitive compensation packages in line with industry standards for the San Francisco area. Depending on experience and qualifications, the salary range for this position is $140,000-$170,000