Director of Chemistry

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.

Base pay range
: $/yr – $/yr

At Glyphic Biotechnologies, we plan to create the protein revolution for which scientists and researchers have been waiting. We are developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform that will transform life science discovery and usher in a new era of insights into human biology and disease. To date, we have raised >$50M from venture partners and non-dilutive grant funding to achieve our vision of next‑generation proteome sequencing.

Glyphic is seeking a (Senior) Director of Chemistry to lead Glyphic’s chemistry function – designing novel reagents, driving sample‑prep innovations, and building a world‑class chemistry team to deliver a disruptive single‑molecule protein sequencing technology. This position reports to the Vice President of Research & Development.
This is a full‑time, exempt, in‑person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.

• Set the long‑term chemistry roadmap for protein sequencing (bio/ortho/conjugations, amino acid side chain modifications, N-/C‑terminal cleavage, surface chemistry, custom nucleosides, reagent development).
• Partner with biology, engineering, microfluidics/automation, and data science to ensure seamless platform integration.
• Drive intellectual property strategy, competitive landscape analysis, and participate with legal on freedom‑to‑operate evaluations.
• Build robust blocking, capping, and wash chemistries to minimize cross‑talk and background signal on solid supports, flow cells, or microarray surfaces, ensuring high specificity and sensitivity in downstream detection assays.
• Utilize high‑throughput screening and combinatorial chemistry testbeds to develop robust and reproducible protocols.
• Innovate front‑end chemistries for protein/peptide capture, enrichment, and derivatization.
• Optimize lysis, digestion, and peptide stabilization protocols that preserve post‑translational modifications (PTMs) and support low‑input samples.
• Integrate with orthogonal proteomics (nano LC‑MS, …) for validation.
• Transition discovery‑phase reagents to reagent manufacturing.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary chemistry team (synthetic, analytical, biochemical, biophysical).
• Define and track OKRs, budgets, and timelines to meet aggressive startup milestones.
• Foster a collaborative, data‑driven culture and integrate closely with cross‑functional teams.

Required
:

• PhD, organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• 12+ years in reagent or assay development, including 4+ years in leadership.
• Proven expertise in protein/peptide chemistry (synthesis, purification, bioconjugation).
• Strong background in sample‑prep chemistry and methods for proteomics, ideally including immunopeptidomics.
• Ability to develop novel nucleic acid chemistry (new base pairing, new phosphoramidites).
• Translate prototypical organic chemistry (photochemistry, redox chemistry) into a biological environment.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques: HPLC, LC‑MS, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, etc.
• Experience with intellectual property strategy, competitive landscape analysis, freedom‑to‑operate evaluations.
• Track record of translating discovery‑phase chemistry into scalable, manufacturing‑ready or commercial reagents.
• Prior startup or early‑stage company experience.
• Visionary and hands‑on leader who can balance strategic planning with bench‑level problem solving.

Nice to have
:

• Familiarity with single‑molecule or next‑generation sequencing chemistries and assays.
• Knowledge of photochemistry, peptide synthesis, amino acid blocking strategies, orthogonal labeling systems.
• Experience with automation and/or microfluidic reagent delivery systems.
• History of patent filings and IP portfolio development.

We’re looking for teammates with
:

• Excellent interpersonal skills – capable of building strong relationships and communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• High emotional and analytical intelligence – able to navigate complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and…