Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Bezos Expeditions, Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures, and have raised over $150M to date.
We’re looking for a hands-on engineering manager to lead Profluent’s Lab Informatics Platform team. This team builds the systems scientists use to design experiments, track samples, capture assay data, integrate with Benchling and lab automation, and make experimental data usable for analysis and machine learning.
The ideal candidate is both an experienced people manager and a strong technical lead. You’ll formally manage and mentor a small team while remaining deeply involved in architecture, data modeling, database design, and technical execution. You’ll work closely with wet-lab scientists, automation engineers, data scientists, and ML experts to build practical, scientist-facing tools that make complex experimental workflows scalable, traceable, and actionable.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and grow a software engineering team focused on lab informatics systems, scientific data infrastructure, and scientist-facing applications
- Architect and deliver the roadmap for systems that support sample tracking, assay data capture, Benchling integration, lab automation, experimental metadata, and analysis workflows
- Design robust data models for protein engineering and gene editing experiments, including constructs, samples, reagents, cell systems, assay results, metadata, and experimental lineage across mammalian and bacterial workflows
- Partner closely with scientists to translate complex laboratory requirements into scalable software solutions that accelerate Profluent’s design-build-test-learn cycle
- Build and maintain backend systems, APIs, databases, data pipelines, and web applications using technologies such as Python, Django, PostgreSQL, BigQuery, GCP, and modern development workflows
- Establish strong engineering practices across architecture, code review, testing, CI/CD, documentation, and agile delivery
Qualifications
- 7+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 2 years managing or leading engineers
- BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Strong technical leadership skills, with a track record of architecting and delivering production-quality software systems
- Proficiency with Python, backend development, databases, APIs, and modern software engineering workflows
- Experience building lab informatics systems, scientific data platforms, LIMS/ELN integrations, research software, or scientist-facing applications
- Experience with data modeling and database design for complex scientific, operational, or experimental workflows
- Demonstrated ability to work closely with scientists and translate ambiguous laboratory workflows into reliable software systems
Preferences (but not required)
- Experience with Benchling, lab automation, instrument data ingestion, sample tracking, or high-throughput experimental data
- Experience with data generated from mammalian or bacterial cell systems, gene editing, protein engineering, or related biological workflows
- Frontend web development experience and interest in building intuitive scientist-facing user interfaces
What We Offer
- High-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design
- Competitive compensation package with equity participation
- 401(k) with a strong employer match
- Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance
- Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance
- Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology
Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.
Employment Eligibility Verification
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.
Skills Required
- 7+ years of software engineering experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role
- BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or related field
- Proven success delivering production-ready applications and infrastructure at scale
- Strong proficiency in Python and modern development workflows (git, Agile, CI/CD)
- Background in backend and frontend (Django) frameworks, cloud platforms (GCP), and databases (PostgreSQL, BigQuery)
- Experience building or integrating research-focused software and/or scientific data systems
What We Do
Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Berkeley, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures. To learn more about our mission to decode the language of life with AI, visit profluent.bio
