Associate Scientist - Protein Engineering

Job Description

About Enlaza Therapeutics

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Enlaza Therapeutics is a privately held, well-funded biotechnology company based in San Diego, California. We are advancing a novel synthetic biology platform, War-Lock™, to develop a new class of biologic therapeutics capable of site-specific covalent engagement of disease targets. This innovative approach has enabled a growing pipeline of first-in-class therapeutic candidates for cancer and other serious diseases.

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At Enlaza, we are passionate about translating cutting-edge science into transformative medicines for patients. We foster a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and intellectually stimulating environment where team members are empowered to contribute, learn, and grow.

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Role Description:

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Enlaza Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering, to support our antibody and protein engineering programs. Reporting to the Principal Scientist of Protein Engineering, this laboratory-based role will contribute to the discovery, characterization, optimization, and advancement of therapeutic antibody and VHH candidates across multiple pipeline programs.

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This position is ideal for a hands-on experimental scientist who enjoys executing high-quality laboratory work, analyzing data, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will play a key role in molecular cloning, recombinant protein production, purification, and biochemical characterization, while gaining exposure to advanced protein engineering and biophysical characterization techniques.

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The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and thrives in a dynamic biotechnology environment. Prior experience with biophysical characterization techniques such as bio-layer interferometry (BLI) is preferred but not required. We are committed to training talented scientists who demonstrate strong scientific fundamentals and a desire to expand their technical expertise.

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This is a full-time, onsite laboratory position based at our headquarters in San Diego, California.

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Responsibilities:

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• Design, execute, and analyze experiments using molecular biology and protein engineering techniques, including molecular cloning, mutagenesis, transformation, recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization.
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• Support antibody and VHH engineering efforts, including affinity maturation, humanization, developability improvement, sequence optimization, and mitigation of molecular liabilities.
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• Produce and characterize recombinant proteins from bacterial expression systems, including construct preparation, expression screening, purification, and analytical assessment.
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• Perform protein characterization assays, including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, protein concentration determination, and other biochemical and biophysical analyses.
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• Assist in the evaluation and advancement of screening hits and lead molecules through sample preparation and characterization studies such as BLI, kinetic analysis, epitope binning, and developability assessment.
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• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate experimental results to project teams and stakeholders.
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• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and data management systems.
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• Collaborate closely with scientists across protein sciences, discovery biology, computational biology, analytical sciences, and translational research functions.
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• Contribute to laboratory organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and compliance with company procedures and safety practices.
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Required Skills and Experience:

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• BS/MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Protein Sciences, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years (BS) or 3+ years (MS) of relevant industry or academic laboratory experience.
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• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including construct design, molecular cloning, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, and plasmid preparation.
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• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification from E. coli , protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting.
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• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities simultaneously.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly present scientific findings in group meetings.
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• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, and multidisciplinary research environment.
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Preferred Qualifications:

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• Experience using sequence analysis and molecular biology software such as Geneious, Benchling, SnapGene, or equivalent platforms.
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• Experience with recombinant antibody, VHH, or other biologic therapeutics discovery and characterization workflows.
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• Experience with biophysical characterization methods such as BLI (Octet), SPR, SEC, DSF, or related assays.
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• Familiarity with developability assessment and lead optimization strategies for therapeutic proteins.
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• Experience maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks and laboratory data management systems.
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Compensation:

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In addition to a competitive compensation package with stock options, the company also offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental disability insurance.

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Job Type:

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Full-time

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Annual Salary: $105,000 – 140,000

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Supplemental Pay Types:

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Annual Bonus: 10%

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Equity

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Benefits:

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• 401(k)
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• Dental insurance
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• Employee assistance program
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• Flexible schedule
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• Flexible spending account
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• Flexible vacation
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• Health insurance
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• Life insurance
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• Parental leave
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• Paid holidays
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• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
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• Retirement plan
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• Vision insurance
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• Year-end shutdown
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Enlaza Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer committed to scientific excellence, innovation, and improving the lives of patients through transformative medicines.

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