Scientist I: Bioconjugation Chemist/Biochemist

About Akoya Biosciences:
As The Spatial Biology Company®, Akoya Biosciences’ mission is to bring context to the world of biology and human health through the power of spatial phenotyping. The company offers comprehensive single-cell imaging solutions that allow researchers to phenotype cells with spatial context and visualize how they organize and interact to influence disease progression and response to therapy. Akoya offers a full continuum of spatial phenotyping solutions to serve the diverse needs of researchers across discovery, translational and clinical research via its key platforms: PhenoCycler™, PhenoImager™ Fusion and PhenoImager HT.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Akoya R&D Chemistry Team. You will work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and take part in the development of multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays and reagents for use in biological research. You will be a key contributor in a multi-disciplinary team executing scientific research and product development. You should be able to work independently and take initiative in planning, conducting, and reporting on the studies for which you are responsible.

You will have the opportunity to interact with small teams of biologists, chemists, biochemists, image scientists, and engineers in a rapidly moving organization.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform high throughput immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining and imaging of FFPE tissue sections.

Develop workflow procedures for Akoya related platforms.

• Design analytical experiments to measure and quantify biological material and fluid transfer during workflow steps.

• Perform fluorescence microscopy analysis and optimize settings for antibody-stained tissue samples.

• Develop and validate image analysis routines to assess quality of staining and imaging

• Troubleshoot experiment designs for optimization of key parameters.

• Record experimental results of research and development projects in laboratory notebooks and present data during weekly tech meetings.

• Review scientific literature and summarize relevant information

Skills & Requirements:

• Requires a BS degree with 4 years’ experience, MS degree with 2 years’ experience, or Ph.D. in conjugation chemistry, analytical/organic chemistry, and peptide/protein chemistry.

• Minimum of 2 years of practical experience in protein/nucleotide analytical assays, including analytical and preparatory liquid chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and spectroscopy.

• Additional experience with fluorescence spectroscopy and/or microscopy, and an understanding of synthetic chemistry is welcomed.

• High acumen in experimental design, problem solving, and scientific principles.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment, working on multiple projects with evolving priorities and deadlines

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills

• Highly organized with attention to details and excellent information management, time management, and organization skills

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The hiring range for this position is $105,000 - $135,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Akoya’s excellent benefits program includes a selection of Medical and Dental plans, and Life, AD&D and Short-Term Disability insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) with immediate Company match vesting, Company paid holidays and more!

Akoya values bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.