Staff Scientist, Protein Chemistry & Library Prep

Job description

At Nautilus, we have a big and important mission: improve the health of millions by unleashing the potential of the proteome to accelerate drug development and enable a new world of precision and personalized medicine. We are developing a single-molecule protein analysis platform of unprecedented sensitivity, scale, and ease of use that we believe will democratize access to the proteome, one of the most dynamic and valuable sources of biological insight. To get there, we pursue deep, hard science, and we're building a world-class team of builders, innovators, and dreamers across a wide range of disciplines. If you're a protein chemist who treats careful handling and characterization as the core of the work, read on. **This Opportunity** We're building a new sample preparation workflow for our proteomics platform. You'll lead the protein handling and bioconjugation side of that effort by designing how proteins are prepared, labeled, and attached to our platform, and proving that each step worked. You'll work at the center of a cross-functional team spanning assay development, probe development, and bioinformatics. You'll own the library prep workflow end to end, from first experiments to a robust, documented protocol that the rest of the team can run. We're looking for a seasoned protein scientist with a record of building sample preparation and bioconjugation workflows that make it into products or platforms. You've led technical work across teams, you characterize every step rather than assume it worked, and you make clear calls when the data is ambiguous. **Responsibilities** - Own the proteomics sample preparation workflow end to end, from strategy and first experiments to a robust protocol others can run - Lead development of bioconjugation strategies to label and immobilize proteins with minimal impact on protein integrity - Build the characterization toolkit for every step: prove what's conjugated, what's intact, what's aggregated, and what was lost - Set quality metrics and acceptance criteria for prepared protein samples libraries, and use them to make go/no-go calls - Design complex, multi-factor experiments that give the program decisive direction - Drive root cause and permanent corrective actions when the workflow fails - Partner with assay, probe development, and bioinformatics teams to integrate library prep into the full workflow and interpret results together - Present plans, results, and recommendations to the team and to R&D leadership - Set technical direction for library prep, mentor scientists and associates, and weigh in on program-level tradeoffs **Key Qualifications** **Required** - PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related field with 10+ years of industry experience; or BS/MS with 15+ years in a related field - Deep hands-on expertise handling, purifying, and stabilizing proteins - Demonstrated record of innovation in protein bioconjugation (e.g., site-selective labeling, click chemistry, crosslinkers, surface immobilization) - Expert in protein characterization: mass spectrometry, SEC, DLS, CD, SDS-PAGE/native PAGE, and activity or binding assays - Proven ability to take a workflow from concept to a robust, reproducible protocol used by other teams - Exceptional experimental design and data analysis skills, including multi-factor experiments - Track record of leading cross-functional technical work and influencing without authority - Experience mentoring scientists and setting technical direction for a team **Preferred** - Background in sequencing, proteomics, or single-molecule library prep - Experience with automation or liquid handling for sample prep - Startup or early-stage product development experience **Nautilus Team Culture** - We are curious go-getters: this is a team of life-long learners who aren't afraid to tackle the big challenges, and we embrace the journey. - We are detail oriented: we do great science by working smart and with diligence, and we learn from our trials and mistakes. - We are easy to work with: we want our workplace to be one where everyone can share their perspective and be treated with respect and kindness.