Scientist - Electrochemistry Assay Development and Testing

Scientist – Electrochemistry Assay Development and Testing

Arzeda is solving some of today’s hardest and most meaningful problems – from food and nutrition to sustainable materials and homecare – by designing proteins that have the limitless potential to change everyone’s daily life. Our team has developed a proven technology platform that merges computational protein design, machine learning, and synthetic biology tools to produce proteins, enzymes, and bio-based processes more efficiently than Mother Nature. A deep tech, mission-driven company, we are passionate about our mission to design novel proteins and products that enhance our lives and protect our planet. At Arzeda, we value a strong desire to learn, innovate and be continuously challenged. 

We are seeking a detail-oriented Scientist to join our highly collaborative Protein Testing Team. You will play a critical role in the continued development of our enzyme engineering platform at Arzeda to rapidly screen and optimize enzyme functions by developing high-throughput, automation-ready assay workflows that accelerate enzyme screening, characterization, and experimental iteration.
Using your deep knowledge of electrochemistry, enzymology, including enzyme kinetics, protein characterization, analytical biochemistry, , and HT-assay development and troubleshooting you will contribute to impactful projects across the company.

Arzeda is located 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:

• Develop robust high throughput enzyme assays for bioelectro-conversions or bioconversions.
• Evaluate enzyme performance using electrochemical assays, and traditional enzyme assays, using absorbance, fluorescence, and HPLC/MS to detect and quantify products, cofactors, and reaction mediators.
• Contribute to and become an owner of experimental design to drive efficient identification of enzymes with desired properties
• Perform cell-free expression, and high-throughput or mid-scale protein preparation, as needed.
• Design, optimize, and scale automation-compatible assay workflows to increase experimental throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Partner with automation, software, and data infrastructure teams to implement robotic liquid handling, assay orchestration, and streamlined data analysis pipelines.
• Identify experimental bottlenecks and develop strategies to reduce assay cycle time and increase design-build-test-learn iteration speed.
• Develop, optimize, and perform laboratory SOPs.
• Interface with upstream (e.g., Protein Design, Strain Design, and Genetic Design-Build teams) and downstream teams and (Fermentation and Downstream Processing teams) for efficient data exchange and transfer of materials.
• Operate and maintain electrochemistry equipment.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Bioelectrocatalysis, Biocatalysis, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry or other related field, or 4+ years of experience in a Masters or industry role.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with enzyme characterization.
• Experience developing enzyme assays, especially for biocatalysis or bioconversions.
• Experience designing or operating automated experimental workflows and high-throughput assay systems strongly preferred.
• Understanding of redox chemistry and thermodynamics.
• Experience developing and characterizing enzymes and enzyme-electrode interfaces including direct and/or mediated electron transfer using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.
• Understanding of Marcus and Butler-Volmer theory pertaining to electrocatalysis, ideally additionally familiar with hydride transfer theory and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Experience working in a glovebox/bag.
• Experience evaluating data sets, putting together reports, and presenting findings and/or results from data analysis.
• Desire to communicate openly within a team and be receptive to feedback and learning opportunities.
• Adaptable to changing plans as needed to meet goals.

Nice-to-haves (not required, but team members who do well here happily grow in these areas):

• Python and/or R
• Hands-on experience with automation equipment
• Understanding of HPLC or LC/MS for small molecules and proteins.

Arzeda compensation and benefits include:

• Base salary of $101,000 to $140,000 depending on experience
• Comprehensive compensation package, to include equity
• Paid time off; company-observed holidays to include a company paid holiday closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1; and paid medical/family leave
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance to include options for Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Commuter benefits

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Arzeda will not sponsor a new H1-B visa. 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.

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.