What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientist, Antigen Engineering & Production position at Institute for Protein Innovation?
The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI)is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health. Founded in 2017 and located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Institute’s three-pronged strategy is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research and develop educational programs for the protein science and biological research communities.
With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist to join our Antigen Engineering & Production team. The successful candidate will play a key role in the production and characterization of proteins, with a focus on advancing our capabilities in multipass membrane protein engineering.
Key Responsibilities
Protein Expression:
With a significant endowment, IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist to join our Antigen Engineering & Production team. The successful candidate will play a key role in the production and characterization of proteins, with a focus on advancing our capabilities in multipass membrane protein engineering.
Key Responsibilities
Protein Expression:
- Develop and optimize expression systems for the production of proteins in mammalian cells, insect cells, bacteria, yeast, and other systems.
- Design and execute expression experiments for a wide range of protein targets, including complex multipass membrane proteins.
- Perform and optimize purification strategies using techniques such as affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and other relevant methods.
- Troubleshoot and resolve challenges related to protein purity, yield, and stability.
- Conduct thorough protein characterization using analytical techniques including SEC, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Static Light Scattering (SLS), SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, and other relevant methods.
- Analyze and interpret data to ensure the quality and integrity of protein samples.
- Contribute to efforts in the production and stabilization of multipass membrane proteins.
- Utilize technologies such as Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), Styrene Maleic Acid Lipid Particles (SMALPs), and nanodiscs to enhance membrane protein solubility and functionality.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance project goals and timelines.
- Prepare and present detailed reports, protocols, and data summaries to stakeholders.
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field with relevant postdoctoral or industry experience;
- Proven experience in the expression of proteins in various systems, including mammalian cells, bacteria, and yeast.
- Expertise in protein purification techniques, including affinity chromatography, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography.
- Strong background in protein analytical techniques, such as SEC, DLS, SLS, SDS-PAGE, and native PAGE.
- Hands-on experience with multipass membrane proteins and related technologies such as VLPs, SMALPs, and nanodiscs is highly preferred.
- Experience working with complex protein systems or high-throughput protein production pipelines.
- Familiarity with structural biology techniques and applications.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly.
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans
- Flexible spending accounts and a healthcare reimbursement account
- 401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested
- Generous PTO package
- Commuter and parking reimbursement
- Career development opportunities