Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant

Position Summary

The Astera Institute is seeking a Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant to advise on and develop the surface chemistry that anchors a DNA-origami structure to a device surface with controlled placement and orientation. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead).

Responsibilities

• Design site-specific attachment chemistry (e.g., photochemical or click approaches) to anchor the DNA-origami structure to the device surface with controlled coverage and orientation.
• Advise on functionalization of the dielectric and polymer surfaces in the device stack.
• Develop these approaches into a laboratory standardized protocol for implementation by others.
• Troubleshoot attachment yield and orientation with the wet-lab team, and recommend methods to characterize anchor quality.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD-level expertise in bioconjugation and surface chemistry.
• A track record with DNA or biomolecule surface tethering and photochemistry / click chemistry.
• Availability for a fractional, advisory engagement, with periodic on-site lab work in Emeryville, reducing proposed protocols into viable, technician-executable tasks.

Cultural Alignment

• Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.
• High standards, internally driven – you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.
• Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship – you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.

Location: This position is hybrid at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.

Compensation: This is a contract engagement. Compensation is a competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience and the agreed scope and duration of work.