What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering position at Skyhook?
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 Principal Scientist to join our growing Protein Engineering team. This individual will have a passion for developing assays to support the interrogation of enzyme libraries using a variety of biochemical, cellular, and molecular techniques. The role will support the team by executing, analyzing, and presenting experiments to drive platform activities and improvements. They will lead from the bench, working closely with our cross-functional teams as a contributor supporting our R&D programs. As a member of a growing and engaged team, this scientist will have the opportunity to take part in leading innovative research and development, and work with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced startup environment.
\n- Design, construct, and validate enzyme variant libraries using our internal platform for protein engineering projects
- Collaborate with AI/ML scientists to develop novel constructs and assays to explore diverse functionalities using molecular methods
- Conduct and support biomolecular experiments with high precision and reliability
- Contribute to cross-functional projects through data generation, analysis, interpretation, and presentation
- Use literature searches, follow Standard Operating Protocols, and generate new ones when necessary to devise cutting edge techniques and approaches
- Use experimental and scientific insights to devise and collaborate on the writing of patents and scientific publications
- A PhD in Biochemistry, Biological/Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biology with 5 years of laboratory experience or a Master’s degree in a related field with 10 years of laboratory experience
- Expertise in biochemistry, enzyme/protein characterization (e.g., assay development, kinetics, library designs, substrate profiling)
- Proficient in common molecular cloning techniques and sequencing (E.g., DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, NGS library generation)
- Experience managing project teams, junior scientists, and research associates
- Strong analytical skills, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and adept at building strong relationships across teams
- Highly adaptable, able to work both independently and collaboratively
- Self-motivated, proactive, and collaborative approach; driven to achieve scientific and business objectives
