Research Associate - Biocatalysis

Job Title: Research Associate – Biocatalysis

Location: Denver, CO (on-site)

Type: Full-time

Primary responsibility: Assist our enzyme team in designing, executing, and advancing internal and customer-driven enzyme projects

Job Description:

Cascade Biocatalysts is seeking a dynamic and motivated Research Associate to join our growing team. Reporting directly to one of our Scientists, the Research Associate will play a pivotal role in expanding, testing, and characterizing Cascade’s enzyme portfolio. You will also utilize Cascade’s novel Body Armor for Enzyme™ immobilization technology to improve the commercial viability of these enzymes. This role will support enzyme assay development and execution, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, bioconjugation, and our enzyme engineering pipeline. Your role will also support broader R&D and screening efforts as the team scales.

Importantly, we are seeking a candidate who embodies our core values: an obsession with delivering top caliber products to customers, an active curiosity, consistent communication, and an inherent assumption of goodwill in their interactions with others. An ideal candidate is also aligned with Cascade’s vision of empowering enzymes to disrupt the chemicals industry.

Responsibilities:

• Enzyme Assay Development & Execution: Execute and help troubleshoot enzyme activity assays to support screening and characterization of engineered enzyme variants.
• Molecular Biology & Cloning: Perform molecular cloning, plasmid construction, and related DNA handling to generate constructs for enzyme variant libraries.
• Recombinant Protein Expression & Purification: Express and purify recombinant enzymes (including via cell-free protein synthesis), and assess purity and identity using techniques such as SDS-PAGE.
• Bioconjugation: Support bioconjugation experiments utilizing Cascade’s Body Armor for Enzyme™ immobilization technology
• Startup Environment: As an early hire at a startup, you must be able to adapt to rapidly evolving project needs and fast paced project timelines, deadlines and contribute to cross-functional tasks as required.
• Collaborative teamwork: Collaborate within a cross-functional team, including biochemists, chemical engineers, and chemists, to design experiments, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to project planning and execution.
• Data collection, analysis, and record keeping: Maintain meticulous, well-organized records of experimental procedures, observations, and results. Organize and analyze data using appropriate statistical methods and software.
• Documentation & Communication: Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assay development, cloning, and protein expression workflows. Prepare clear reports, summaries, and presentations to effectively communicate research findings and progress to the team.
• Laboratory maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory space. Assist in routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.

Qualifications:

• Hands-on lab experience: Experience in a research laboratory environment, with exposure to biochemistry and/or molecular biology techniques such as enzyme assays, bioconjugation, PCR, SDS-PAGE, assay development, recombinant protein expression, or cloning preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field and 1-2 years of relevant work or research experience in protein biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the challenges of a startup environment.
• Eagerness to learn and willingness to take on diverse responsibilities.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

Cascade Biocatalysts is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

About Cascade Biocatalysts:

Cascade Biocatalysts is empowering enzymes to change how molecules are made. We are commercializing our Body Armor for EnzymesTM technology to make enzymes rugged and reliable for cost effective biomanufacturing and, ultimately, a sustainable, more capable 21st century chemical economy. You will play a pivotal role in developing and improving the enzymes that power our products. Your expertise will contribute to ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of our enzymes as we commercialize innovative biocatalytic technology. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic and growing organization.

Join us in our mission to revolutionize sustainable chemical manufacturing through the power of enzymes and polymers. Your contributions can help create a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000