Research Associate (Molecular Biology / Protein engineering)

Job description

Adaptyv is building an automated lab that lets AI agents run biology experiments. We're entering the era of agentic science where AI models can now design novel proteins, propose hypotheses, and iterate on experimental results. But they can't run the experiments themselves - that's still a manual, months-long process. We're building the infrastructure that gives AI agents access to the physical world. We are one of the fastest growing biotech companies, trusted by leading biopharmas, frontier AI labs, and the techbio companies pushing the field forward. This is a rare chance to help advance some of the most important work happening in biotech today. Our automated lab is powered by a deep software + hardware stack: lab instruments worth millions of USD reverse-engineered into API-controllable hardware, dozens of devices orchestrated through complex workflows, full observability on everything that happens in the lab, processing pipelines for messy physical-world data, and AI systems that troubleshoot production results and accelerate assay development. We’re growing rapidly and are hiring for talented people to scale and support the massive demand for AI-driven wet lab experimentation. ABOUT THE ROLE You'll work in our biology & production team running protein expression, DNA assembly, and characterization workflows. We run thousands of constructs per week across cell-free and cell-based expression systems, high-throughput DNA synthesis and assembly, and binding/stability characterization (BLI, SPR, enzymatic assays). RESPONSIBILITIES - Run protein expression workflows: cell-free (PURE, lysate-based), E. coli, and potentially mammalian systems. - Execute DNA synthesis and assembly protocols at high throughput: PCR, Golden Gate, Gibson. - Run binding and characterization assays: BLI, SPR, thermostability, enzyme activity, developability assays. - Troubleshoot when proteins don't express, misfold, or aggregate. - Prepare reagents, manage samples, and track experiments in LabOS. - Analyze experimental data: expression gels, chromatograms, binding curves. - Work with the automation team to adapt bench protocols for robotic workflows. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - BSc or MSc in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field. Hands-on bench time matters more than the degree. - Practical molecular biology skills: PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification. You've done these yourself, not just read about them. - Protein expression experience. You've expressed recombinant proteins in at least one system and understand the basics. - Experience with DNA assembly methods (Golden Gate, Gibson, restriction cloning). High-throughput experience is a plus. - Familiarity with biophysical and analytical characterization techniques. We use BLI, SPR, plate reader assays, nanoDSF, HPLC-SEC, and CE-SDS. You don't need all of them, but you should have hands-on experience with at least a few. - Comfortable scripting in Python or similar. You don't need to be a software engineer, but you should be able to write a script to parse data, generate plate maps, or automate a repetitive task on a liquid handler. - Organized and precise. Hundreds of constructs per week means you track everything and follow protocols exactly. - Strong work ethic. Experiments don't always finish at 6pm. - Comfortable in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and you figure things out yourself. Application deadline We are reviewing applicants on a rolling basis.