Director of Chemistry

Join to apply for the Director of Chemistry role at Glyphic Biotechnologies.

Base pay range: $/yr – $/yr

About Glyphic:

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.

What we are looking for in you

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.

What you’ll do

• 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.

What you need

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…