Biochemist

Proteins.1; Espoo; Hybrid; EUR 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Proteins.1 is building a PCR for a novel diagnostic platform and seeks a hands-on scientist to translate assay concepts into robust, transferable workflows. You will own surface functionalization, produce standard control proteins, and direct a biochemist team as the platform moves toward a commercial device.

The role focuses on establishing reproducible chemistry, with experience in single-molecule counting workflows and high-sensitivity immunoassays. Espoo-based with hybrid work support.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mastery of protein synthesis and recombinant expression/purification, including QC and stability work.
• Proven experience in surface chemistry for site-specific biomolecule immobilization and non-specific binding suppression.
• Track record developing and validating high-sensitivity immunoassays or single-molecule counting workflows to strict specs.
• Ability to structure rigorous DOE, write SOPs and a legible ELN.
• Deep expertise in binder kinetics (SPR/BLI) and fluorophore conjugation; experience with liquid handling automation.

Responsibilities

• Build the workflows: turn assay concepts into robust, transferable protocols and SOPs, written and ELN-friendly.
• Own the surfaces: establish and characterize functionalization chemistry on glass, silicon and plastic for site-specific immobilization.
• Make the reagents: produce standard control proteins with QC and stability data.
• Validate: develop high-sensitivity immunoassay and single-molecule workflows to strict LoB/LoD/LoQ specs.
• Direct the work: design and review experiments of biochemist team, guiding execution.
• Build the lab: specify instruments, qualify vendors, own results end-to-end at pre-seed stage.

Skills

Protein synthesis

Recombinant expression/purification

Surface chemistry

Single-molecule assays

DOE design

SOPs & ELN

Binder kinetics (SPR/BLI)

Fluorophore conjugation

Lab automation experience

Data analysis for high-count readouts

Education

MSc/PhD in relevant field

Tools

Cell-free protein synthesis

SDS-PAGE

SEC

XPS/ToF-SIMS

Liquid handling automation

Bead-based assays

Job description

Proteins.1 is building the PCR for Proteins, a novel diagnostic platform for detecting biomarkers at the single-molecule level. We are moving from deep-tech research to a commercial device. We are backed by Lifeline and Cloudberry.

Reality: the biology, the hardware, the IP and the founders are in place. Our independent labs are running, and the core chemistry works. This is our second biochemistry hire — the platform now must become reproducible, documented and transferable.

Role: foundational work demonstrated single-molecule amplification on first oncology targets at picomolar concentrations. We now need to carry the same chemistry to sub-pg/mL sensitivity on immune/oncology/neurology biomarkers, from a few microliters of biofluids, run after run. You would own the surfaces and the reagents that make that possible: translating our assay plans into robust workflows, establishing surface functionalization protocols, producing our standard control proteins, and directing the experimental output of the work already underway.

What you will do:

• Build the workflows: turn assay concepts into robust, transferable protocols — DOE-driven, written up as SOPs, and legible in the ELN so results survive the person who generated them
• Own the surfaces: establish and characterize functionalization chemistry on glass, silicon and plastic — silanization, PEGylation, SAMs, bio-orthogonal coupling — for site‑specific antibody and biomolecule immobilization, with non‑specific binding suppression treated as a primary design objective rather than an afterthought
• Make the reagents: produce our standard control proteins by cell‑free synthesis and recombinant expression/purification, with the QC and stability data (SEC, SDS‑PAGE, MS, degree of labelling) that make them trustworthy across lots
• Validate: develop and qualify high‑sensitivity immunoassay and single‑molecule counting workflows against strict LoB / LoD / LoQ specifications, with real command of blank behavior, matrix effects, precision and lot‑to‑lot variation
• Direct the work: design and review the experiments of biochemist team, guiding execution and troubleshooting rather than only running the bench yourself
• Build the lab: specify instruments, qualify vendors, and own results end to end at pre‑seed stage.

Ideal candidate: a hands‑on scientist with 6–12 years of experience post‑MSc/PhD, including at least one industry or startup stint in industrial diagnostics or life‑science tools. You are comfortable building a lab rather than inheriting one, and you characterize what you have made instead of inferring it from assay signal.

• Hands‑on mastery of protein synthesis and recombinant expression/purification, including the QC and stability work that makes them trustworthy
• Proven experience in surface chemistry for site‑specific biomolecule and antibody immobilization, characterized directly (grafting density, contact angle, XPS/ToF‑SIMS, fluorescence density)
• Track record developing and validating high‑sensitivity immunoassays or single‑molecule counting workflows (digital ELISA, Simoa, bead‑based) to strict specifications
• Ability to structure rigorous DOE, write SOPs and a legible ELN
• Deep expertise in binder kinetics (SPR/BLI), fluorophore conjugation and biofluid handling; preferred experience with liquid handler automation and data analysis for high‑count readouts

How we work: we are serial entrepreneurs, having worked in drones, space, AI, biotech and medtech environments, from R&D to shipped HW/SW globally.

• Your own stack: you choose the chemistry, the tools and the standards inside your domain, and you are expected to defend them with data
• Team: you work alongside our existing biochemistry team. As we move towards a customer‑facing product, you will hire the specialists who polish what you build
• Location: we believe hardware happens in the lab. We are based in Espoo/Helsinki, Finland. We support hybrid work, but we highly value high‑bandwidth collaboration in the office. Relocation support is available.

Why this role?

• Tangible impact: you will not be doing your PhD/post‑doc. You are building a machine that detects disease, and your protocols move physical liquids in the lab
• Equity: this is a high‑ownership role with significant equity upside
• Intellectual honesty: we value correctness and reproducibility over hype. We expect you to challenge the founders and the scientists if the physics does not support the biology
• Build in Europe: we build in an environment that values rationality and well‑being. Experience the stability of the Nordic model with universal healthcare, exceptional safety, and a democracy that truly functions.

You will work with Prateek, who previously built a techbio company deploying animal replacement high‑throughput chips to top biotech and pharmaceutical companies, going from idea to patents to a complete product line, and with our founding biochemistry and hardware teams.

Do not apply if you are looking for a "researcher" role. This is a developer/director role.

Do apply if you have taken an assay from a working bench result to a documented, reproducible workflow that other people can run — and want to do it again for a product that matters.