What we are looking for in you

We are seeking an ambitious and independent Single-Cell Proteomics Platform Scientist to build a first-of-its-kind workflow that connects bead-based capture of cell-surface and membrane proteins to Glyphic’s protein sequencing readout. This is a rare opportunity to do true n=1 work: you will be the scientific owner of an end-to-end effort – developing capture chemistry, protein-to-oligo conjugation and cleanup workflows, barcoding integration, and the control strategy needed to generate interpretable proof-of-concept data in both bulk and rare/defined populations. You will collaborate closely across highly diverse teams and disciplines – including protein chemistry, molecular biology, automation, software, and external scientific partners – to align on requirements, troubleshoot quickly, and translate results into an integrated workflow. You will be responsible for translating early technical discovery into clearly documented, reproducible protocols and results suitable for reliable execution at scale. This role is built for an experienced scientist who thrives with extreme ownership in a fast-paced startup – someone who is fully hands-on and will personally drive all experimental work from design through execution, with no direct reports at the time of hire. The candidate must possess both exceptional execution speed and intellectual rigor.

This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position based in Berkeley, CA. This role will require regular travel to local (<10mi) partner facilities (up to 25% of the time). This position is open to Senior, Staff, Senior Staff or Principal Scientist applicants, with level and compensation commensurate with experience and competencies.

What you’ll do

• Develop bead-compatible chemistries to capture cell-surface and membrane-associated proteins, using both sequence-specific oligo strategies and non-oligo capture approaches, making first-principles design decisions around specificity, background, scalability, and downstream compatibility.
• Build robust protein capture workflows, including cleanup, validation, and yield/background optimization, owning reagent architecture and defining acceptance criteria.
• Integrate barcoding workflows with the downstream sequencing readout. Design the controls required to detect cross-talk, contamination, loss, and nonspecific binding.
• Benchmark against commercial surface kits and standard membrane enrichment methods. Identify failure modes and implement fixes.
• Design and execute proof-of-concept studies in bulk and in rare or defined populations.
• Document protocols and results in a form that can be transferred across organizations.
• Contribute to invention disclosures and external technical materials when warranted.

What you’ll need

Required:

• Industry experience relevant to the role and an advanced degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field, including:
  • MS/PhD with 14+/10+ years (for Principal Scientist)
  • MS/PhD with 12+/8+ years (for Senior Staff Scientist)
  • MS/PhD with 8+/6+ years (for Staff Scientist)
  • MS/PhD with 6+/4+ years (for Senior Scientist)
• Bead-compatible capture chemistries: demonstrated expertise developing and optimizing bead-based capture of cell-surface and membrane-associated proteins using both sequence-specific oligo strategies (e.g., DNA-barcoded antibodies, oligo-handle docking systems) and non-oligo approaches (e.g., streptavidin capture of surface-biotinylated proteins, antibody-coated bead immunocapture).
• Protein chemistry: hands-on conjugation and labeling (including antibody/affinity-reagent labeling and end-to-end protein–DNA/RNA conjugation) with practical validation methods, cleanup/QC, yield/background optimization, and strong troubleshooting instincts.
• Oligo work: comfortable designing and handling DNA oligos for capture or indexing, integrating barcoding workflows into an NGS readout (library prep and QC fundamentals), and building controls; proficient with bead-based DNA/protein purification and QC methods (e.g., gel extraction, TapeStation/Bioanalyzer, SeqStudio, UV-vis).
• Mammalian cell work: cell culture, counting/viability, basic phenotyping, permeabilization and lysis, and clean experimental execution on cell lines and primary cells, including proof-of-concept studies from bulk to rare/low-input or enriched/sorted populations.
• Single-cell workflow mindset: demonstrated single-cell assay experience; you understand loss, background, nonspecific binding, and batch effects as first-order problems, and you design rigorous control strategies to quantify and mitigate cross-talk, contamination, loss, and background.
• Benchmarking: track record benchmarking against commercial surface profiling kits and standard membrane enrichment methods, diagnosing failure modes, and implementing fixes.

Nice to have:

• Experience with chemical functionalization of biomolecules or surfaces (e.g. EDC, NHS, Click)
• C-terminal conjugation and modification of amino acid sidechains beyond cysteine and lysine
• Basic experience with yeast biology, with the ability to culture yeast and support straightforward modification or process work needed for reagent prototyping or scale prep.

We’re looking for a teammate that:

• Navigates complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.
• Operates with resourceful adaptability, urgency, and flexibility in evolving environments, thriving in ambiguity.
• Drives work forward without needing to be asked, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks.
• Treats obstacles as problems to be creatively solved, not reasons something can’t be done.
• Applies sound judgment to the best available information, testing, learning, and iterating.
• Shares early and directly when assumptions change, results are unclear, or timelines are at risk.

What you can expect from this role:

• A hands-on, technically rigorous environment where you own a critical slice of platform development and are expected to make and defend key technical decisions.
• A fast-paced startup setting that values clarity of thought, experimental judgment, and execution under ambiguity.
• Hands-on collaboration with multiple external scientific teams, where you will serve as a technical project owner at Glyphic.
  
  

Compensation

Estimated Base Salary: $145,550 - $233,700

This is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including, experience, education, skillset, and geographic location. This range is for the SF Bay Area, California location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.