Staff Scientist, Protein Chemistry & Library Prep
Nautilus Biotechnology
Summary
We're building a new sample preparation workflow for our proteomics platform. You'll lead the protein handling and bioconjugation side of that effort by designing how proteins are prepared, labeled, and attached to our platform, and proving that each step worked.
Job description
This Opportunity
We're building a new sample preparation workflow for our proteomics platform. You'll lead the protein handling and bioconjugation side of that effort by designing how proteins are prepared, labeled, and attached to our platform, and proving that each step worked.
You'll work at the center of a cross-functional team spanning assay development, probe development, and bioinformatics. You'll own the library prep workflow end to end, from first experiments to a robust, documented protocol that the rest of the team can run.
We're looking for a seasoned protein scientist with a record of building sample preparation and bioconjugation workflows that make it into products or platforms. You've led technical work across teams, you characterize every step rather than assume it worked, and you make clear calls when the data is ambiguous.
Responsibilities
- Own the proteomics sample preparation workflow end to end, from strategy and first experiments to a robust protocol others can run
- Lead development of bioconjugation strategies to label and immobilize proteins with minimal impact on protein integrity
- Build the characterization toolkit for every step: prove what's conjugated, what's intact, what's aggregated, and what was lost
- Set quality metrics and acceptance criteria for prepared protein samples libraries, and use them to make go/no-go calls
- Design complex, multi-factor experiments that give the program decisive direction
- Drive root cause and permanent corrective actions when the workflow fails
- Partner with assay, probe development, and bioinformatics teams to integrate library prep into the full workflow and interpret results together
- Present plans, results, and recommendations to the team and to R&D leadership
- Set technical direction for library prep, mentor scientists and associates, and weigh in on program-level tradeoffs
Key Qualifications
Required
- PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related field with 10+ years of industry experience; or BS/MS with 15+ years in a related field
- Deep hands-on expertise handling, purifying, and stabilizing proteins
- Demonstrated record of innovation in protein bioconjugation (e.g., site-selective labeling, click chemistry, crosslinkers, surface immobilization)
- Expert in protein characterization: mass spectrometry, SEC, DLS, CD, SDS-PAGE/native PAGE, and activity or binding assays
- Proven ability to take a workflow from concept to a robust, reproducible protocol used by other teams
- Exceptional experimental design and data analysis skills, including multi-factor experiments
- Track record of leading cross-functional technical work and influencing without authority
- Experience mentoring scientists and setting technical direction for a team
Preferred
- Background in sequencing, proteomics, or single-molecule library prep
- Experience with automation or liquid handling for sample prep
- Startup or early-stage product development experience
Requirements
- PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related field with 10+ years of industry experience; or BS/MS with 15+ years in a related field
- Deep hands-on expertise handling, purifying, and stabilizing proteins
- Demonstrated record of innovation in protein bioconjugation (e.g., site-selective labeling, click chemistry, crosslinkers, surface immobilization)
- Expert in protein characterization: mass spectrometry, SEC, DLS, CD, SDS-PAGE/native PAGE, and activity or binding assays
- Proven ability to take a workflow from concept to a robust, reproducible protocol used by other teams
- Exceptional experimental design and data analysis skills, including multi-factor experiments
- Track record of leading cross-functional technical work and influencing without authority
- Experience mentoring scientists and setting technical direction for a team
- Background in sequencing, proteomics, or single-molecule library prep
- Experience with automation or liquid handling for sample prep
- Startup or early-stage product development experience
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Group life insurance
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Equity
Company overview
Nautilus Biotechnology is a pioneering life sciences company founded in 2016 that is revolutionizing the field of proteomics through its innovative platform technology. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington with operations in San Carlos, California, the company focuses on quantifying and unlocking the complexity of the human proteome. Nautilus develops a proprietary proteomics platform that leverages a novel method called Iterative Mapping to provide high-resolution views of billions of single protein molecules. The company's technology aims to democratize access to the proteome, enabling fundamental advancements across biomedical research, therapeutic development, and medical diagnostics. With approximately 124-141 employees, Nautilus represents a diverse team of protein chemists, chip designers, molecular biologists, data scientists, and engineers working to transform how drugs are developed and improve human health management. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NAUT and is positioned to accelerate personalized and predictive medicine through its groundbreaking single-molecule proteomic analysis capabilities.