Scientist​/Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

Who we are.

Arbor Biotechnologies, a clinical stage, next-generation gene editing company based in Cambridge, MA, is advancing a portfolio of first-in-class genomic medicines addressing serious diseases for which there are no existing functional cures, with a CNS pipeline initially prioritizing multiple ALS targets and a co-developed, clinical program, ABO-101, for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. The company’s unique breadth of gene editing technologies goes beyond the limitations of early editing approaches to unlock access to new gene targets and expand the therapeutic reach of genomic medicines.

For more information, please visit: arbor.bio .

You're driven by purpose and curious by nature. You take ownership, speak up, and stay steady when things get hard. You'd rather the team win than get the credit. If that sounds like you, keep reading.

Why this role matters.

We are seeking a Scientist / Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering to drive experimental execution for assigned protein engineering work streams within our genome editing programs. This role will apply protein biochemistry, molecular biology, structure-function analysis, and cellular screening approaches to help generate improved genome editing molecules.

You will independently design and execute experiments within established project goals, evaluate engineered protein mutants and variants, analyze biochemical and cellular data, and translate results into clear recommendations that shape next-step project decisions. You will work closely with computational scientists, experimental teams, and project leads to apply structure-guided and AI-enabled design approaches, interpret results, and support iterative design-build-test-learn cycles.

This role is ideal for a rigorous and innovative molecular engineer who combines hands‑on experimentation with strong data analysis, structural insight, and collaborative problem-solving.

The successful candidate will contribute technical expertise to project-team decisions and help document and communicate results to support internal technology hand‑offs.

What you'll own.

• Drive experimental execution for assigned protein engineering work streams within established campaign objectives.
• Design, generate, and evaluate protein mutants and variants to support genome editing programs.
• Recommend experimental approaches, controls, and follow‑up studies in collaboration with project leads and functional partners.
• Apply protein engineering approaches, such as rational design, structure‑guided engineering, deep mutational scanning, or related methods, based on project goals and the enzyme properties being optimized.
• Independently design and execute experiments to test protein engineering hypotheses and evaluate variant performance.
• Analyze experimental results, troubleshoot issues, and recommend next experimental steps to support iterative design-build-test-learn cycles.
• Use scientific judgment to influence project-team decisions through clear, data‑driven recommendations.

Protein biochemistry and structure-function analysis

• Apply structure‑guided protein engineering approaches using experimental structures, homology models, AI‑predicted structures, and other relevant models to generate and prioritize variant hypotheses.
• Use protein structure visualization and molecular modeling tools, such as PyMOL, ChimeraX, and Alpha Fold‑derived models, to analyze active sites, protein‑protein interfaces, conformational states, and sequence‑structure‑function relationships.
• Evaluate sequence‑structure‑function relationships to inform protein design and interpret variant performance.
• Design and perform biochemical assays to investigate protein properties in support of engineering goals, including activity,…