HPLC Scientist

The Company

Pando is an AI-driven synthetic biology company revolutionizing enzyme engineering for the pharmaceutical manufacturing and diagnostics industry. Our ultra-high-throughput screening platform screens 1000-fold more enzymes 75% faster and 80% cheaper than traditional methods. This empowers our AI models to efficiently optimize enzymes across multiple properties, delivering high-performing, industrial-grade enzymes that create and capture new market value.

The Role

We are seeking a scientist with experience in HPLC method development, small-molecule quantification, and basic molecular biology experiments. This role will involve developing, optimizing, and executing high-throughput HPLC methods to measure enzyme activity across a range of substrates and conditions. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with 96-well plate workflows and have experience in analytical chemistry, bioanalytical methods, or related fields.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize HPLC methods for quantifying small molecules in enzymatic reactions.
• Implement and run high-throughput 96-well plate HPLC workflows.
• Analyze chromatographic data to assess enzyme activity and method quality.
• Collaborate with enzyme engineers to refine assays and improve enzyme performance.
• Troubleshoot an Agilent HPLC system to ensure reproducible data generation.
• Run molecular biology experiments including PCR, qPCR, DNA purification, DNA cloning, and transformation, and protein purification.
• Document and report findings clearly for internal teams and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Understand the differences between a startup and a larger corporation, and embrace the fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience with HPLC method development, particularly for small-molecule analysis.
• Experience taking working HPLC methods and reducing their runtime to increase throughput. 
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening techniques.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Ability to troubleshoot HPLC instruments and optimize separations.
• Experience with data analysis tools for chromatographic data processing.
• Hands-on experience in molecular cloning, strain engineering, protein production, and general biochemistry.
• Comfortable and familiar with using an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) for documentation.  
• Industry experience in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, or pharmaceuticals is a plus but not required.
• Open to candidates with a range of experience, from recent graduates with strong analytical skills to seasoned professionals. Responsibilities will be proportional to experience.

Nice to have:

• Experience expressing and purifying enzymes from E. coli, Picha, and/or Cell Free Protein Synthesis (CFPS)

Why Join Us?

• Be at the cutting edge of AI-driven enzyme engineering and biocatalysis.
• A collaborative and dynamic environment focused on scientific innovation.
• Simply fun.

If you're passionate about revolutionizing enzyme-driven biocatalysis, we'd love to hear from you!