Associate Scientist/Research Associate, Biochemistry Assay

Element Biosciences is a multi-disciplinary startup focused on innovating genetic analysis tools for the research and clinical markets. The Company's technology will broaden the end user experience through improved data quality and simplified workflows to benefit discoveries and diagnosis in healthcare.

As an Associate Scientist or Research Associate, you will contribute to the Protein Engineering/Biochemistry team and will work closely at the direction of scientists to characterize biochemical properties of product reagents. With mentoring, the candidate will be able to develop and optimize methods/techniques for testing and evaluation of novel biochemistry schemes and generate reports of findings.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Execute biochemical assays for high-throughput screening
• Perform routine characterization of purified proteins
• Meticulously record and organize data from protein characterization and assays
• Evaluate purified proteins using standard analytical and biophysical techniques, including SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and fluorimeters
• Follow SOPs to carry out biochemical assays to evaluate kinetic properties of new enzymes
• Evaluate purified proteins using standard analytical and biophysical techniques, including SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and fluorimeters
• Interact closely with lead scientists and engineers to develop comprehensive solutions for protein needs
• Work closely with lead scientists to meet deliverable and timeline goals
• Generate reports and communicate results clearly to peers and management

Education and Experience

• B.S. or M.S. degree and 0-2 years of professional experience and/or equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
• Biotech industry experience is preferred
• Experience in protein biochemistry, involving protein characterization/assays

Required Skills/Abilities

• Familiarity with biochemistry analysis methods
• Background in general techniques used in biochemical and molecular biology (centrifugation, buffer preparation, growth media preparation, sterile techniques)
• Familiarity with DNA fragment analysis via capillary electrophoresis
• Understanding of biochemical assays that generate fluorescent signals
• Basic understanding of good practices for DNA and enzyme handling
• Familiarity or interest in operating lab automation equipment (e.g. Hamilton or other liquid handling systems)
• Ability to carefully analyze data and communicate results effectively
• Have an eager attitude to learn, highly motivated
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Diligent record keeping and attention to detail

We are passionate about our mission to develop high performing products to study genomics in an unprecedented flexibility and to understand biology for the improvement of healthcare. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. We offer excellent benefits, which include a 401K plan, competitive health benefits, flexible vacation, and equity incentives.

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.