Research Scientist - Protein Design & Analysis

SPOC Biosciences; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SPOC Biosciences is seeking a motivated Research Scientist (PhD or Postdoc) to advance protein biochemistry in a fast-paced startup. You will work closely with senior scientists to design and execute high-throughput protein characterization and binding assays, including SPR, while contributing to AI-designed protein validators.

The role emphasizes independent experimentation, rigorous data analysis, and collaboration with pharma and AI drug discovery partners, with opportunities for publications

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related field.
• Wet-lab experience with independent assay design.
• Experience studying protein–protein or protein–antibody interactions.
• Strong foundation in experimental design and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-throughput protein characterization experiments.
• Develop and optimize binding assays (including SPR).
• Contribute to validation of AI-designed protein and antibody binders.
• Analyze experimental data and produce high-quality visualization and reports.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Molecular biology

Assay development

Data analysis

Independent work

Written & verbal communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Bioengineering

Tools

SPR platform

Job description

SPOC Biosciences is buildingthenext-generation drug discovery & lab-in-the-loop protein design platform that integrates on-chip protein synthesis, high-resolution kinetic measurements and best in class engineering & automation. Our goal is to supercharge the discovery of next-generation biologics and accelerate AI drug design.

We collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies, AI drug discovery startups, and academic institutions to advance therapeuticsdevelopment.

Role Overview

We areseekinga motivated and hands-on Research Scientist (PhD or Postdoctoral level) withstrong trainingin protein biochemistry and molecular biology.This role requires independent scientific judgment, strong assay development skills, andability to workin a fast-paced startup environment.This role is ideal for recent PhD graduates or postdocs who are excited to apply rigorous experimental science to AI-enabled drug discovery.

You will work closely with senior scientists to:

• Design and executehigh throughputprotein characterization experiments
• Develop andoptimizebinding assays (including SPR and related platforms)
• Contribute to validation of AI-designed protein and antibody binders
• Analyze experimental data andproduce high quality visualization and reports

This roleprovidesan opportunity to gain exposure to high-throughput experimentation, AI-integrated workflows, and industry partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, or related field (recent graduateswith relevant experience areencouraged to apply)
• Wet lab experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, with particular emphasis on independent assay design
• Experience studyingor computational modeling ofprotein-protein or protein-antibody interactions
• Strong foundationin experimental design and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work independently ina fast-pacedenvironment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Postdoctoral research experience is welcomed but notrequired.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) or other quantitative binding techniques
• Familiarity with high-throughput assay development
• Exposure toDe novo AI design of protein or antibody binders
• Expression and characterization of membrane proteins and/or PTMs
• Computational protein modelling and Analysis
• Basic programming (Python, R, or similar)&use of AI coding tools

WhatYou’llGain

• Direct experience at the intersection of experimental protein science and AI-driven design
• Mentorship from experienced scientists and startup leadership
• Exposure to collaborations with pharma and leading AI drug discovery companies
• Opportunity to contribute to publications and high-impact scientific outputs
• Fast learning curve in a growing biotech startup
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Equity (stock options)
• Company-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance