Scientist​/Senior Scientist, Protein Chemistry

We are seeking an innovative and driven Protein Chemist/Biochemist (Scientist / Senior Scientist) to join our dynamic R&D team. In this role, you will play a critical part in the characterization of wild‑type and genetically engineered fungal strains. You will work at the intersection of protein biochemistry, proteomics, and molecular biology, focusing on optimizing protein production and implementing protein characterization methods.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative startup environment and possesses deep expertise in protein purification, advanced biophysical and bioanalytical characterization, and functional assay development.

• Protein Purification & Isolation
  : design, develop and optimize purification of native and heterologously expressed proteins from complex biological matrices. Execute workflows utilizing automated chromatography systems (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, hydrophobic interaction, ÄKTA FPLC platforms).
• Advanced Characterization & Proteomics
  : characterize the secretome and proteome of wild‑type, engineered, and improved strains using biochemical, biophysical and analytical techniques, such as SDS‑PAGE, western blotting, ELISA‑based assays, UV/vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, Bio‑Layer Interferometry, flow cytometry, etc., to evaluate purity, structural integrity, post‑translational modifications such as glycosylation, inter‑ and intra‑molecular bonding, potency, stability, develop ability and functional activity.
• Method & Assay Development
  : independently design, develop, and optimize novel analytical methods and functional assays to determine structural, biophysical, and biochemical attributes (e.g., molecular weight, aggregation, and stability).
• High‑Throughput Screening
  : establish and execute high‑throughput (HTP) micro‑scale purification and screening workflows to rapidly evaluate large fungal variant libraries.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  : work within interdisciplinary teams and partner closely with molecular biology, strain engineering and fermentation teams to improve protein expression, yield, and product quality.
• Genotype‑to‑Phenotype Discovery
  : partner closely with the molecular biology team to uncover connections between genotypes and key phenotypes of filamentous fungi, actively contributing to strain engineering and improvement strategies.
• Execution & Data Analysis
  : conduct hands‑on bench‑top laboratory work, designing and troubleshooting independently, analyzing and interpreting data sets, and utilizing specialized software (e.g., Proteome Discoverer, UNIFI, PyMOL, or Prism) to deliver data‑driven solutions to technical roadblocks.
• Reporting & Presentation
  : analyze and summarize results, maintain meticulous experimental documentation, prepare SOPs, technical reports and presentations, and present scientific outcomes clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
• Planning and Integration
  : contribute to project planning, timelines and cross‑functional scientific discussions.

• MS or Ph.D. in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 2+ years of industrial experience.

• Deep knowledge of protein structure‑function properties, advanced purification principles, structural characterization and understanding of protein chemistry, protein folding, aggregation and stability.
• Experience with biologics characterization assays, including binding, blocking, competitive binding, functional activity using biochemical and cellular systems.
• Proven hands‑on expertise characterizing post‑translational modifications, such as protein glycosylation profiles.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, including automated chromatography systems (FPLC/ÄKTA) and mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS or MALDI‑TOF), and analytical method development.
• Experience working with microbial hosts and strain improvement programs focused on protein expression, metabolic engineering, or related applied research targets.
• Familiarity with foundational computational software tools for structural visualization, data analytics, or proteomics pipelines (e.g., PyMOL, JMP, Prism, or equivalent).