Scientist / Senior Scientist, Membrane Biochemistry

About the role

As an individual contributor and Scientist in Discovery Science, you will advance Altos' scientific programs on brain aging and neurodegeneration using lipid and protein biochemistry approaches. The ideal candidate is an expert in membrane and lipid biology with experience purifying and structurally characterizing transmembrane or peripheral membrane-binding proteins. You will design and implement workflows that include construct design, expression and purification from mammalian recombinant sources, chromatography purification, membrane reconstitution, and vitrification for electron microscopy. You will also carry out biochemical activity assays and characterize biophysical properties of purified proteins, including hydrodynamic radius, binding kinetics, protein stability, and oligomerization. Experience with mass spectrometry, NMR, or X-ray crystallography of lipid-protein interactions is also of interest but not required. This position is in the Frost group at Altos Labs' Bay Area campus.

Responsibilities

• Design expression constructs and perform recombinant cell culture for membrane protein and membrane-associated protein purification and characterization.
• Evaluate the purity, stability, and physical properties of purified proteins.
• Develop new protein activity assays and establish SOPs.
• Coordinate with CROs for material generation and analysis.

Requirements

• PhD in a related field, such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics, or Structural Biology
• Demonstrable understanding of biochemistry, including the use of electron microscopy for structural biochemistry.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate within a dynamic team.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative binding biophysics (BLI, SPR, or ITC), including kinetic and affinity analysis.
• Experience with methods for assessing purity, mass, or stability (mass photometry, SEC-MALS, DLS, analytical SEC, or DSF/thermal stability).
• Experience reconstituting membrane or lipid-associated proteins into liposomes or nanodiscs.
• Experience with Cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis workflows.
• High level of rigor and precision in experimental design, data recording, and documentation in an ELN.
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude with the ability to independently troubleshoot, manage multiple priorities, and deliver under timelines.

Qualifications

• Experience with AI-assisted protein design pipelines.
• Immunoassay development (ECL/MSD, ELISA).
• Bioconjugation or synthetic chemistry for lipid, glycan, or fluorophore probes.

Pay

The salary range for Redwood City, CA Scientist I, Scientific Technologies: $136,300 - $174,700
Scientist II, Scientific Technologies: $156,800 - $201,000
Senior Scientist I, Scientific Technologies: $172,400 - $221,000
Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.