Research Scientist - Protein Design & Analysis

University of Georgia- FACS; Scottsdale, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity (stock options)

Company-paid medical, dental, vision,

Job summary

SPOC Biosciences is enabling AI-driven drug discovery by combining on-chip protein synthesis, high-resolution kinetic measurements and automated biology workflows. We are seeking a hands-on Research Scientist (PhD or Postdoc) to join our protein biochemistry team and contribute to rigorous assay development in a fast-paced startup setting.

You will design high-throughput protein characterization experiments, optimize binding assays (including SPR), generate quantitative interaction data, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, or related field.
• Wet lab experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, with independent assay design.
• Experience studying or computational modeling of 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.
• Postdoctoral experience welcomed but not required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Protein engineering

Wet lab experience

Assay design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent work

Postdoctoral experience

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, or related field

Tools

SPR

High-throughput assays

Python

Job description

About SPOC Biosciences

SPOC Biosciences is building the next-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 therapeutics development.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Research Scientist (PhD or Postdoctoral level) with strong training in protein biochemistry and molecular biology. This role requires independent scientific judgment, strong assay development skills, and ability to work in 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 execute high throughput protein characterization experiments
• Develop and optimize binding assays (including SPR and related platforms)
• Generate high quality quantitative interaction data sets
• Contribute to validation of AI-designed protein and antibody binders
• Analyze experimental data and produce high quality visualization and reports

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, or related field (recent graduates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply)
• Wet lab experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, with particular emphasis on independent assay design
• Experience studying or computational modeling of protein-protein or protein-antibody interactions
• Strong foundation in experimental design and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Postdoctoral research experience is welcomed but not required.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) or other quantitative binding techniques
• Familiarity with high-throughput assay development
• Exposure to De 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

What You’ll Gain

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Equity (stock options)
• Company-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• Onsite fitness center