Analytical Scientist I

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind optogenetic platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology enables dynamic, tunable control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, and reproducibility advantages across the most complex pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV. The Analytical Science team is looking for a talented scientist to collaboratively work with our R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize broad classes of therapeutic proteins. A successful candidate will bring an outcome-oriented skillset to recombinant protein quantification and characterization. You will work collaboratively with our teams to produce and purify diverse proteins from cell culture processes and be comfortable conducting a wide range of protein quality assessments. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA. Key Responsibilities • Collaborate with cell line development and bioprocess teams for delivery of key internal technology programs and external customer projects. • Develop, optimize, and validate assays for protein titer and quality for broad classes of recombinant therapeutic proteins. • Plan and execute experimentation to understand protein quality through cell line, upstream and downstream process development. • Execute, summarize, interpret, and present routine and complex therapeutic protein characterizations. • Qualify and validate analytical procedures to compliance standards, upholding rigorous standards for execution and documentation. • Routinely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation (HPLCs, FPLCs, mass spectrometers). • Author, review, and implement methods, protocols, validations, and standard operating procedures. Ensure processes are followed in accordance with these standards. About You • Hold a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, with 1+ years of biologics industry experience. Candidates without a PhD but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply. • Have illustrated experience in therapeutic protein characterization approaches (eg. HPLC, SDS, CE, cIEF, LC-MS). • Have illustrated the ability to develop, execute, and interpret intact mass, sequence confirmation, and PTM analysis (e.g., glycosylation, disulfide mapping, peptide mapping) through mass spectrometry. • Have illustrated the ability to develop, execute, and interpret aggregation and charge variant characterizations for biologics. • Have experience in the development and execution of GLP-compliant methods characterizing protein quality attributes across a wide range of therapeutic classes. • Have hands-on experience operating LC-MS. Experience with Agilent QTOF instrumentation applied to assay protein quality is a plus, including familiarity with proteomic software. • Are highly motivated to deliver successful outcomes for internal and external clients. • Are excited to work with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence. Have strong communication skills and are comfortable teaching and sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail. Benefits: Generous equity package in an early stage company, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, career coaching, mental health support, free team lunches everyday, great snacks, and companywide social events! Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)