Sustaining Associate Engineer - Engineer I, High Throughput Operations

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Bezos Expeditions, Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures, and have raised over $150M to date.

We are seeking a motivated and creative Sustaining Engineer to join our High Throughput Operations team. The focus of this role will be to maintain automation equipment, assist in day-to-day high throughput activities, and contribute to building equipment maintenance and service tracking infrastructure for our in-house molecular cloning, mammalian screening and NGS cores. This role is vital to ensuring that we can quickly build, productionize, and provide thorough support for the automated workflows used by Biology project teams to accelerate discoveries across the life sciences.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven protein design and to work cross-functionally with a diverse team of experts across machine learning, protein engineering, cell biology, and gene editing.

Responsibilities

• Provide onsite operator support for automated workflows
• Provide regular maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting procedures on liquid handlers, high throughput lab equipment, and other integrated systems
• Write verification and validation test protocols and deliver reports including IQ/OQ/PQ
• Support the development of  SOPs and reports for validated automation processes and assist with implementation
• Develop tools, reporting and operational documents for tracking equipment spare parts, service calls, and repairs
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and third-party service providers

Qualifications

• BS/MS in science or engineering discipline with 1-3 years of relevant experience
• Hands-on experience operating liquid handling systems (e.g. Tecan Fluent, Hamilton Star, Agilent Bravo, Beckman Coulter Biomek)
• Some familiarity with HTP assay development and operation of gene assembly, cloning, mammalian screening, and NGS workflows
• Can adapt to changing project priorities and timelines
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and soft skills to build collaborative relationships that enable effective professional interactions with vendors and stakeholders

Preferences 

• Familiarity with gene editing systems, genome-wide assays to measure gene editing activity, specificity, and DNA repair outcomes.
• Experience working with external vendors and third-party service providers
• Service trained in various automation platforms or HTP lab equipment
• Experience working with asset management or ticketing systems

What We Offer

• High-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design
• Competitive compensation package with equity participation
• 401(k) with a strong employer match
• Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance
• Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.