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Scientist 2 - Bioconjugation / Protein Chemistry

Emeryville, CA

Our north star is to make healthcare more accessible around the world. We are doing this by advancing cell biology to develop innovative solutions for human health.

Founded in 2012, and located in one of the largest biotech hubs in the world, Slingshot Biosciences is a growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make synthetic cells the gold standard for all cell-based applications.  We currently have a suite of products that allow for rapid, stable instrument deployment and are poised to make headway into clinical markets with controls for engineered cell therapies.

At Slingshot, we value diversity and believe that a variety of backgrounds and experiences leads to more innovative ideas and a better understanding of our customers. Passion is at the core of our values, and employees are encouraged to pursue their passions in their work and contribute to the company's overall mission.

We desire motivated team members who appreciate the freedom to be creative and think outside the box to solve problems.  We offer an environment where employees are empowered to take ownership of their work, and have the ability to quickly contribute new ideas and iterate on current processes.  In everything we do, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality products and services to our customers which ultimately makes a significant impact on patient care.

We are looking for an enthusiastic protein chemist to join our bioconjugation team. The candidate will support development of our custom products and also facilitate the transfer of our products from R&D to process development and then to manufacturing. To be successful, you’ll need experience in biochemistry and conjugation chemistry, with an understanding of how to handle different biomolecules. Experience with synthetic chemistry, molecular biology and/or flow cytometry is a plus!

You should also be comfortable writing technical reports and analyses of your findings, with the goal of reporting results clearly to management. We are a small but growing team, and the applicant must be comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Self-motivated and driven applicants of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities
  • Contribute to all R&D efforts in the biochemistry group 
    • Protein conjugation related product development work
      • Use our established methods to make new products 
      • Bring your previous bioconjugation experience to the table to recommend improvements
      • Suggest ideas for and build POC for new product concepts 
  • Design, execute, and optimize chemical processes. Contribute independent experimental ideas based on project needs, and have a problem solving approach.
  • Work with other team members to develop new assays and new products – crossover with cell culture, protein expression, protein purification and other assay work.
  • Keep detailed experimental records. May be responsible for writing SOP documents and technical transfer of developed processes to the manufacturing group.
  • Do deep dives of literature to determine the best experimental plans based on precedent, and independently drive and troubleshoot projects 

Requirements

  • Ph.D & 2+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Background in biochemistry, protein chemistry, chemical biology, synthetic chemistry, or an equivalent field
  • Experience with conjugation chemistry, and handling of proteins in solution
  • Additional skillsets preferred:
    • Flow cytometry
    • Protein expression and basic molecular biology 
    • Protein purification
    • Tech transfer experience 
  • Able to multitask, prioritize and manage time effectively. Detailed record keepings. 
  • Candidates must be local in Northern California or willing to relocate for the position - this is a fully on-site position
 
Our salary ranges are calculated by role and level. Your position within that range will be determined by your job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, and training/certifications. In addition to those factors, we also examine internal equity as well as consider current market rate, and title may be assessed one level lower or higher accordingly. After you join the company your performance, contributions, and results along with business and organizational needs will affect your base salary. The base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $150,000 + equity + benefits.

What we offer at Slingshot:

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Stock Option Plan
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick)
  • Family Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Fully stocked break room with food, snacks and beverages

Slingshot Biosciences requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of such vaccination will be required as part of the hiring process.

Slingshot Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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

 

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