Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology with experience in protein engineering, complex DNA library design, and pooled screening to help build next-generation DNA constructs for programmable medicines. This role is a good fit for someone who has worked on CAR/binder design and is comfortable designing and testing large libraries to support discovery and optimization of engineered proteins.

Responsibilities

• Using protein prediction models and ab initio modeling to develop proteins of novel function in silico and drive their selection and validation on wet bench
• Deep expertise characterizing protein structure and function including affinity, stability, etc.
• Design and build complex DNA libraries, including barcoding strategies, to enable pooled screening and variant tracking.
• Automation experience for arrayed screening and other biochemical assays
• Help build and scale high-throughput workflows for DNA and RNA production, screening, and data analysis.
• Track record of demonstration execution of large-scale library screens to support protein engineering and CAR optimization or binder identification and characterization
• Protein production and characterization in both bacteria and mammalian cells
• Contribute to plasmid and construct design for engineered proteins and cell-based systems.
• Own construct QC, sequence analysis, and tracking of variants, including NGS-based workflows.
• Work with external vendors as needed, balancing internal builds and outsourcing to meet timelines.
• Partner closely with other teams, including CMC, to provide designs, materials, and timelines.
• Mentor junior scientists and support strong practices in experimental design and data quality.
• Maintain clear and reproducible records (ELN, sequence tracking, sample management).
• Communicate results clearly to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Qualifications

• BS with 14+ years, MS with 12+ years, or PhD with 5+ years of relevant industry experience in molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in protein engineering and CAR
• Proven track record designing and building complex DNA libraries, including barcoding strategies for pooled screening.
• Strong command of molecular cloning and plasmid design in high-throughput settings.
• Demonstrated ownership of large-scale library screens, from design through execution and data interpretation.
• Expert-level experience with NGS-based library analysis, variant tracking, and sequence QC.
• Able to operate effectively in cross-functional teams and drive work forward in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior scientists.

Skills

• Strong technical skills
• Think critically about experimental design
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Benefits

At Serif Biomedicines, we offer healthcare coverage, an annual incentive program, retirement benefits, and a broad range of other benefits.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Schedule

Details on the schedule will be provided upon hire.