Scientist - Electrochemical Enzyme Assay...

About the role

Arzeda is a deep‑tech, mission‑driven company developing computational protein design, machine learning, and synthetic biology tools to create proteins, enzymes, and bio‑based processes that improve daily life and protect the planet. The Protein Testing Team seeks a detail‑oriented Scientist to advance the enzyme engineering platform by creating high‑throughput, automation‑ready assay workflows that accelerate enzyme screening, characterization, and iterative design.

Location: Seattle, Washington (Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne neighborhoods).

Responsibilities

• Develop robust high‑throughput enzyme assays for bioelectro‑conversions or bioconversions.
• Evaluate enzyme performance using electrochemical assays and traditional assays (absorbance, fluorescence, HPLC/MS) to detect and quantify products, cofactors, and reaction mediators.
• Design experiments to efficiently identify enzymes with desired properties.
• Perform cell‑free expression and high‑throughput or mid‑scale protein preparation as needed.
• Design, optimize, and scale automation‑compatible assay workflows to increase throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Partner with automation, software, and data‑infrastructure teams to implement robotic liquid handling, assay orchestration, and streamlined data‑analysis pipelines.
• Identify experimental bottlenecks and develop strategies to reduce assay cycle time and accelerate the design‑build‑test‑learn loop.
• Develop, optimize, and execute laboratory SOPs.
• Interface with upstream (Protein Design, Strain Design, Genetic Design‑Build) and downstream (Fermentation, Downstream Processing) teams for efficient data exchange and material transfer.
• Operate and maintain electrochemistry equipment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioelectrocatalysis, Biocatalysis, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, or related field, or 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• In‑depth knowledge and hands‑on experience with enzyme characterization.
• Experience developing enzyme assays, especially for biocatalysis or bioconversions.
• Strong understanding of redox chemistry and thermodynamics.
• Experience developing and characterizing enzyme‑electrode interfaces (direct or mediated electron transfer) using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.
• Understanding of Marcus and Butler‑Volmer theory for electrocatalysis; familiarity with hydride transfer theory and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is a plus.
• Experience working in a glovebox or glovebag.
• Proficiency in evaluating data sets, preparing reports, and presenting findings.
• Excellent communication, openness to feedback, and adaptability to changing plans.

Nice‑to‑haves

• Python and/or R programming skills.
• Hands‑on experience with automation equipment.
• Understanding of HPLC or LC/MS for small molecules and proteins.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary $101,000 – $140,000, depending on experience.
• Equity participation as part of a comprehensive compensation package.
• Paid time off, company‑observed holidays, and a paid holiday closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1, plus paid medical/family leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with Health Savings Account options.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Commuter benefits.