Senior Director of Chemistry

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 is a full-time, exempt, on-site position reporting 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 dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.
• Resourceful adaptability – operates with urgency, remains flexible in…