Scientist, Computational Protein Engineering

MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, LLC.; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 99,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) plan with company matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, LLC. is seeking a scientist to develop a protein engineering platform and define computational pipelines for structure determination using AI and traditional methods. You will generate workflows for protein-target interactions and design experiments to evaluate progress.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field, experience with protein modeling and AI/ML, and strong leadership and collaboration skills, with potential supervisory duties.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, bioengineering, computational biology, or related field.
• Experience with protein modeling, including protein-target interactions.
• Publications in protein prediction or de novo design, including enzyme engineering.
• Experience with AI/ML methods desirable.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a protein engineering platform in collaboration with scientists in the group and across the company.
• Define computational pipelines for protein structure determination using structural/sequence-based methods and AI.
• Generate computational workflows for protein-target interactions, including enzyme-DNA/RNA interactions.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate protein-engineering efforts.
• Provide input to management to identify, develop, and execute departmental initiatives and strategies.
• Present findings/analyses and any issues/solutions to peers and managers; make recommendations for project advancement.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Time management

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Rosetta

AlphaFold

Job description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a protein engineering platform in collaboration with other scientists in the group and across the company
• Define computational pipelines for protein structure determination using structural and/or sequence-based methods and/or artificial intelligence techniques (e.g. Rosetta, AlphaFold)
• Generate computational workflows for protein-target interactions, including but limited to enzyme-DNA/RNA interactions
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate protein-engineering efforts.
• Provide input to the management team to identify, develop, and execute departmental initiatives and strategies.
• Present findings/analyses and any associated issues/solutions to peer groups and managers; make recommendations for project advancement.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, bioengineering, computational biology, or related field with up to four years of industry or academic experience
• Experience with protein modeling, including protein-target interactions
• Publications in the form of high-profile papers/patents within protein prediction or de novo protein design, including enzyme engineering.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and/or machine-learning methods is desirable.
• Supervisory experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proven record of remaining current, learning new techniques/research in the areas of structural biology/protein engineering.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, to collaborate with external parties, in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment
• Leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and processes and the ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results
• Problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion.
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to gather and evaluate complex data and information and develop a recommendation and plan of action.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills required, with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Proven proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 50 % of the day may be spent at a laboratory bench.
• There are aspects of the position’s duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work
• May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $98,800. to $150,700. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.

Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.