Scientist, Protein Testing

We are seeking a detail-oriented Scientist to join our highly collaborative Protein Testing team . You'll play a critical role in Arzeda's design-test cycle by taking enzymatic assays from early concept and proof-of-concept work into mature, reliable, higher-throughput workflows that directly inform scientific decisions and support partner-facing programs. Using your knowledge of enzymology, analytical biochemistry, and assay development and troubleshooting, you'll generate the decision-quality data that keeps our programs moving. This role is roughly 75% lab work and 25% data analysis, reporting, and collaboration , and reports directly to the team lead.

This is an onsite role based at Arzeda in Seattle, Washington. Nestled among the historic and artistic neighborhoods of Ballard, Fremont, and Queen Anne, you'll find the right balance of activities and relaxation. Whether you're indulging your inner foodie at one of many unique restaurants, drinking a craft beverage after a day at the beach, or enjoying a picturesque walk through the Sunday Market, you'll be proud to call Seattle your home.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and mature enzymatic assays end to end, from ideation and proof-of-concept through reliable, repeatable, higher-throughput use.
• Improve assay sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, throughput, and week-to-week consistency over time.
• Run plate-reader assays (absorbance and fluorescence) and apply adjacent characterization methods such as SDS-PAGE, LabChip, and protein quantification.
• Generate proof-of-concept data and present clear trade-offs so the team can choose the best path forward.
• Perform protein expression and purification as needed to support testing workflows (secondary focus, plate-based for FPLC).
• Collaborate with upstream teams (Protein Design, Strain Design, Genetic Design-Build) and analytical specialists (HPLC / LC-MS, Fermentation) for efficient data exchange and material transfer.
• Communicate progress consistently with project managers, scientific partners, and your manager, and help develop and refine laboratory SOPs.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field + ~1 year of industry experience, or Master's/Bachelor's + ~6 years of relevant experience. Strong internship, post-doc or equivalent industry-like experience may count.
• Demonstrated ability to build enzymatic assays from scratch or meaningfully redesign them, not just run established methods.
• Breadth across protein testing and characterization: plate-reader assays (absorbance/fluorescence), SDS-PAGE, LabChip, protein quantification.
• Comfort working with (not necessarily owning) HPLC / mass spec analytical handoffs and collaborating with specialists.
• Experience evaluating data sets, building reports, and presenting findings.
• Adaptable to changing plans as needed to meet goals. 
• Ability to work onsite, Monday – Friday with some occasional weekend work. 
• A proactive communicator and pragmatic experimentalist who thrives in a fast-moving, cross-functional, deadline-driven environment.

Nice-to-haves (not required)

• Cell-free protein synthesis 
• Experience improving or adapting purification protocols.
• Hands-on automation experience.
• Python / R or other data-analysis tooling beyond spreadsheets.
• Comfort with unusual or application-specific assay contexts.

Why this role 

• Ownership at the center of the science. You own assay development work that directly shapes project decisions in Arzeda's design-test cycle, high visibility, real impact.
• Technical variety. Work across multiple enzymes and assay types rather than one narrow system, ideal if you like breadth and real problem-solving.
• Real product relevance. You'll contribute to programs already in commercialization, including an initial project tied to an industrial enzyme application headed for widely used consumer products.
• Join at a pivotal moment. A new hire quickly reduces risk on current programs, helps absorb a project ramp this fall, and makes a visible contribution to year-end execution.
• Genuinely collaborative team. Specialists in adjacent areas (HPLC / mass spec) and a broader function that helps each other solve problems rather than operating in silos.

Arzeda compensation and benefits include

• Base Salary: $90,000–$130,000 (may vary based on level of experience, education, and geography)
• Comprehensive compensation package, to include equity and participation in bonus program 
• Paid time off; company-observed holidays including a company-paid closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1; and paid medical/family leave
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance including Health Savings Account options
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Commuter benefits

Arzeda is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis 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. Please note: we are unable to sponsor employment visas for this role, and relocation assistance is not being offered at this time.

Arzeda is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis 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.