Sr. Scientist, Protein Engineering

Atlas Base is a fast-growing pioneer in Molecular Computing, bridging the gap between traditional IT and biotechnology. We are redefining global IT infrastructure by driving breakthroughs in both Molecular Compute and Molecular Data Storage. By commercializing synthetic DNA-based technologies at IT scale, Atlas Base delivers ultra-high-density, low-maintenance, and carbon-conscious solutions built for the explosive growth and value of the world's data.

Leveraging nature's most durable medium, we provide a virtually permanent foundation that transforms how the world processes and secures its most critical information.

Originally spun out of Twist Bioscience, our team is an elite fusion of scientists, engineers, and operators dedicated to solving some of the most complex infrastructure challenges on Earth. While our work is grounded in deep science, our success depends on world-class talent across every discipline. We are seeking a Sr. Scientist, Protein Engineering who is ready to bring their expertise to a high-impact environment and help us build a brand-new category of technology.

To help drive this innovation, we are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Scientist to lead protein engineering efforts in support of our platform. The successful candidate will design and execute engineering campaigns to improve the activity, stability, and manufacturability of the enzymes at the core of our technology - from library design and high-throughput screening through purification, characterization, and formulation. This role requires deep hands-on technical expertise, sound experimental judgment, and the ability to translate screening data into the next round of design.

This is an individual contributor position with no direct reports. The successful candidate will own their projects end to end at the bench, set technical direction within their area, and influence the broader team through scientific leadership, collaboration, and informal mentorship rather than through people management.

• Design and execute protein engineering campaigns to improve enzyme activity, specificity, thermostability, expression, and manufacturability against defined project objectives.
• Design and construct mutagenesis and combinatorial libraries, selecting appropriate diversification and selection strategies for each engineering goal (e.g., site-saturation, combinatorial, error-prone PCR, or computationally guided design).
• Build and run high-throughput screening workflows, including plate-based assays, automation, and liquid handling, to evaluate large variant sets efficiently and reproducibly.
• Develop, optimize, and qualify biochemical and biophysical assays to support screening and candidate characterization; troubleshoot assay performance and drive assays from concept to routine use.
• Lead formulation optimization for engineered proteins: screen buffers, excipients, and stabilizers to maximize activity retention, solubility, and shelf life; run thermal, freeze-thaw, and accelerated stability studies; and define storage and handling conditions that meet platform and product requirements.
• Express and purify recombinant proteins using chromatography techniques (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, hydrophobic interaction) on ÄKTA and gravity column systems, and assess purity, identity, and quality using standard analytical methods.
• Analyze and interpret screening, characterization, and stability data; identify sequence-function and formulation-stability trends and feed them into subsequent design cycles.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and adhere to SOPs and data integrity standards; contribute to protocol and SOP development as workflows mature.
• Communicate clearly in writing and…