Associate Scientist/Scientist, Protein Engineering

About the Company:

Launched by RA Capital, Skyhook is an early-stage biotechnology company building a modular, next-gen platform to unlock previously unavailable biomolecule design spaces to transform the discovery and development of differentiated therapeutic, diagnostic, and industrial products. Our team is an innovative group of domain experts in AI/ML computational modeling, advanced synthetic biology, microfluidics, protein engineering, and single-cell profiling who are deeply passionate about the power of the platform to invent the future today. World-class scientific founders from the Broad Institute, cutting-edge technology, and backing from RA Capital come together in a dynamic start-up environment.

About RA Capital:

RA Capital funds and builds healthcare and life science companies using an evidence-based investment approach informed by TechAtlas, a think tank within RA Capital which analyzes scientific and clinical data from academic literature and industry sources to anticipate how breakthroughs might impact industry stakeholders, physicians, patients, and policymakers. TechAtlas' analyses are captured in a unique collection of competitive landscapes, or ‘maps’, which identify competitive therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, and/or technological capabilities in each area.

About the Role:

We are seeking an innovative, self-motivated, and team-oriented Associate Scientist/Scientist in Protein Engineering, with a passion for developing assays to support the interrogation of protein libraries using a variety of display and molecular techniques. Candidates in this role will support the team by executing, analyzing and presenting experiments to drive platform improvements. They will work closely with our cross-functional teams and be a supporting contributor to our R&D programs.  They will have the opportunity to take part in innovative research and development, while working with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Design and lead experiments to test DNA and protein libraries across in vitro and cellular assays
• Conduct and support protein engineering campaigns to select and screen for enhanced functional activity, specificity, and stability toward variant characterization and delivery to stakeholders
• Aid in the construction and validation of construct libraries for the platform using display techniques for protein libraries across different protein classes and biological modalities
• Conduct and support a variety of biomolecular experiments with high precision and reliability including nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR and emulsion PCR, custom library preparation, and QC for Illumina and/or Nanopore sequencing
• Assist with droplet-based assay development and optimization
• Contribute to platform optimization by studying published literature and applying insights to workflows and experiments
• Analyze and summarize data, report findings, follow and write protocols, and maintain detailed lab notebook and registration of constructs and biologics
• Follow Standard Operating Protocols and generate new ones when necessary

• BS/BA, MS/MA, or PhD in Biochemistry, Biological/Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biology, or related field. For Associate Scientist: MS with 3 years industry experience or BA/BS with 5 years industry experience. Level commensurate with experience
• Industry biomedical lab experience is preferred, although not required
• Expertise in protein characterization and display technologies
• Demonstrated experience with bacterial cell culture along with skills in plasmid handling, cloning, and preparation
• Ideal candidates will also have experience in protein purification and mammalian cell culture
• Strong analytical skills, with attention to detail and ability to multitask in a startup environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships with cross-functional and project teams
• Highly adaptable, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Possesses an eager, proactive, and collaborative approach to each day; must be a self-starter and persistent in achieving objectives to support our scientific and business goals
• We welcome candidates with diverse experience who are eager to work in a fast-moving biotech environment