Computational and Experimental Scientist

About the role

This full‑stack scientist position sits on a lean core team at an early‑stage AI‑driven protein and peptide design company. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the complete design‑make‑test‑model loop, turning sequence ideas into kinetic data and back into improved designs.

Key responsibilities

• Improve and extend pocket‑conditioned discrete diffusion models and companion folding models, adding new attention heads and hierarchical reasoning.
• Operate the AI inference stack at scale, monitoring usage patterns across sign‑ups, churn and customer segments.
• Develop and maintain fluid‑handling robotics and plate‑automation protocols (Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons or equivalents).
• Design, execute and analyse BLI and SPR assays end‑to‑end, including kinetic fitting and failure‑mode diagnosis.
• Integrate experimental results back into the design‑make‑test loop to generate improved protein sequences.

Required profile

• 2+ years building or operating discrete diffusion models, protein language models (e.g., ESM, ProtT5) or structure prediction systems in an active design‑make‑test cycle.
• Hands‑on experience writing and debugging liquid‑handler protocols on robotic platforms and shipping them to production.
• Proven ability to fit BLI or SPR kinetic curves and troubleshoot issues such as mass transport, nonspecific binding or aggregation.
• Strong background in biology, biochemistry or life sciences with literacy in receptor biology and protein structure.

Required skills

• Python programming for automation and kinetic curve fitting.
• Discrete diffusion modeling and protein language model expertise.
• Liquid‑handling robotics (Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons) and protocol development.
• BLI and SPR assay design, execution and data analysis.

What we offer

• Initial consulting engagement of $3,000–$5,000 per month, with full‑time conversion.
• Base salary ranging from $80,000 to $200,000 per year, plus meaningful equity and deal‑contingent upside.
• Hybrid work mode with increasing on‑site presence as internal screening infrastructure is built.