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Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind photomolecular platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology unlocks dynamic control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and sustainability advantages across pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.

Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.

About this Job

We’re looking for a Senior Scientist with deep experience in cell line development for pharmaceutical protein production. This role will be part of the synthetic biology team and will work closely with members from the optogenetics, bioprocess development, and analytical chemistry teams to revolutionize biomanufacturing.

Responsibilities

1. Design, build and test vectors to bring two high value protein targets through conventional cell line development within 9 months
2. Contribute to the design, build and testing of vectors for optogenetic cell line development
3. Codify Prolific's engineering principles as it relates to the production of secreted proteins
4. Build and refine a company wide vector construction platform for standard and difficult to produce proteins
5. Close collaboration with commercial and product managers to identify requirements for prospective targets
6. Close collaboration with synthetic biology and optogenetic teams to ensure learnings are translated across research groups for R&D and commercial purposes
7. Analysis, documentation, and presentation of experimental data across teams and to leadership
8. Contribute to expanding the intellectual property (IP) portfolio
9. Contribute to a comprehensive FTO strategy for cell line engineering

About You

1. Extensive individual contributor experience in the vector/protein design/cell line engineering field with a track record of bringing targets through discovery and scale up
2. Experience designing expression constructs with optimal signal peptides, linkers, and tags for improved yield and purification
3. Experience applying sequence optimization strategies (e.g., codon optimization, surface charge engineering) to enhance production
4. Experience using structure-guided protein tools (e.g., Rosetta, AlphaFold, PyMOL) to inform rational protein design modifications that consider stability, secretion, and functionality is a plus
5. PhD in bio/chemical engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, or another relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
6. Experience with high-throughput cell line development environments using automation
7. Enjoy both leading and carrying out independent projects and experimental work
8. Excited about working with interdisciplinary teams
9. Have strong communication skills and comfortable teaching and sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail
10. Eager to work in a high-growth, fast-paced, and dynamic startup environment
11. Comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is known to create innovative solutions

Compensation: $130,000 - $195,000 a year. Note we are considering multiple job levels within this range.

Diversity: We value diverse people, perspectives, and knowledge. To this end, we aim to foster a sense of belonging that enables everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work every day. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team that encompasses all types of people. We believe this can only be achieved by acknowledging the ancestral, historic, and current systemic and communal inequities.

Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

Benefits: Outstanding Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (including full spouse coverage), at least one all-expense-paid team holiday per year, flexibility in schedule and unlimited vacation days. Free lunch every day!