Associate Scientist /Scientist I,Protein Sciences

QuantumCell; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

QuantumCell is seeking an Associate Scientist or Scientist I in Protein Sciences to support IP workflows. You will develop IP protocols, validate antibodies by Western blot, and prepare samples for MS and Western blot analysis.

You will ensure IP operations run reliably as demand grows. The role requires hands-on IP experience, strong Western blotting skills, and proficiency with ELNs and inventory systems, with collaboration across biology and automation teams in a fast-moving, early-stage

Qualifications

• BS or MS in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, or related field with 4–6 years of lab experience; or PhD with 1–3 years.
• Hands-on immunoprecipitation assays experience; IP protocol development or optimization is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Western blotting including antibody validation (specificity testing, titration, lot-to-lot).
• Experience using ELNs (Benchling) and inventory management software with rigorous, timely documentation and sample tracking.
• Comfort interfacing biology with emerging technologies and collaboration with automation or software engineers.

Responsibilities

• Develop new IP protocols and adapt existing ones for new targets and sample types, from design to documented procedures.
• Execute established IP protocols with high reliability and reproducibility as demand grows.
• Perform Western blot–based antibody validation to confirm specificity before antibodies enter the IP workflow.
• Prepare high-quality samples for downstream MS and Western blot analysis.
• Troubleshoot assay issues and drive method optimization in collaboration with the team, documenting changes and impact.
• Manage reagent and antibody inventories, tracking lot information and reordering supplies to prevent disruptions.
• Maintain complete, accurate, timely records using ELNs and inventory software.

Skills

IP expertise

Western blotting

Documentation

Collaboration

Project planning

Education

BS or MS in biochemistry / molecular biology / neuroscience

PhD in a related field (with 1–3 years experience)

Tools

Benchling ELN

Inventory management software

Automation/analysis software

Job description

QuantumCell (QCell) is an early-stage biotech company pioneering dynamic, multi-scale foundation models to unlock the next generation of safe, effective, and targeted therapeutics in neuropsychiatry and neurology. Brain disorders remain among the hardest problems in medicine because they arise from complex, interacting networks that traditional reductionist approaches fail to capture.

At QCell, we believe the future of CNS drug development requires models that can connect molecular mechanisms to endophenotypes and clinical outcomes with high fidelity. With teams in Copenhagen and the San Francisco Bay Area, we are building an end-to-end platform spanning sensing, automation, and multi-scale AI modeling, with a direct line of sight to transformative CNS therapeutics.

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Associate Scientist or Scientist I in Protein Sciences to support our immunoprecipitation (IP) workflow. In this role, you will develop new IP protocols, validate antibodies by Western blot, prepare samples for downstream mass spectrometry (MS) and Western blot analysis, and keep IP operations running reliably as demand grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new immunoprecipitation (IP) protocols and adapt existing ones for new targets, antibodies, and sample types, taking methods from initial design through robust, documented procedures.
• Execute established IP protocols with a high degree of reliability and reproducibility, delivering consistent results as request volume grows.
• Perform Western blot–based antibody validation to confirm specificity and performance before antibodies are introduced into the IP workflow.
• Prepare high-quality samples for downstream mass spectrometry (MS) and Western blot analysis.
• Troubleshoot assay issues and drive method optimization in collaboration with the team, documenting changes and their impact on results.
• Manage reagent and antibody inventories, tracking lot information and reordering supplies to prevent workflow disruptions.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of all experimental work using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and inventory management software, including protocols, sample tracking, and data entry.

Qualifications & Experience

• BS or MS in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related field with 4–6 years of relevant industry or academic lab experience; or a PhD in a related field with 1–3 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience performing immunoprecipitation assays, with a strong working understanding of IP principles; experience developing or optimizing new IP protocols is strongly preferred. Experience working with neurons is a plus.
• Proficiency in Western blotting, including experience with antibody validation (e.g., specificity testing, titration, and lot-to-lot comparison).
• Experience using ELNs (e.g. Benchling) and inventory management software, with a demonstrated commitment to rigorous, timely documentation and sample tracking.
• Comfort working at the interface of biology and emerging technologies — experience or strong interest in integrating novel measurement modalities (e.g., quantum sensing, high-content imaging, multi-omics) into cell biology workflows is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with automation or software engineers to design experiments.
• A builder's mindset: comfortable operating in a fast-moving, early-stage environment where you'll help define processes, not just follow them.
• Strong organization and communication skills and the ability to lead scientifically while collaborating across disciplines spanning cross-functional teams.