Scientist / Senior Scientist, Membrane Biochemistry

Altos Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs in the Bay Area is seeking a Scientist in Discovery Science to advance brain aging and neurodegeneration programs using lipid and protein biochemistry. The role focuses on membrane proteins, including expression, purification, reconstitution, and biophysical characterization, with emphasis on lipid-protein interactions and advanced structural techniques.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a related field and hands-on experience with Cryo-EM, mass spectrometry, and protein

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field, such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics, or Structural Biology.
• Demonstrable understanding of biochemistry, including the use of electron microscopy for structural biochemistry.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate within a dynamic team.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative binding biophysics (BLI, SPR, or ITC), including kinetic and affinity analysis.
• Experience with methods for assessing purity, mass, or stability (mass photometry, SEC-MALS, DLS, analytical SEC, or DSF/thermal stability).
• Experience reconstituting membrane or lipid-associated proteins into liposomes or nanodiscs.
• Experience with Cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis workflows.
• High level of rigor and precision in experimental design, data recording, and documentation in an ELN.
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude with the ability to independently troubleshoot, manage multiple priorities, and deliver under timelines.

Responsibilities

• Design expression constructs and perform recombinant cell culture for membrane protein and membrane-associated protein purification and characterization.
• Evaluate the purity, stability, and physical properties of purified proteins.
• Develop new protein activity assays and establish SOPs.
• Coordinate with CROs for material generation and analysis.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Rigor & precision

Problem-solving

Independent troubleshooting

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics, or Structural Biology

Tools

Cryo-EM workflows

Cryo-EM data analysis

Mass spectrometry

NMR

X-ray crystallography

Job description

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

For more information, see our website at altoslabs.com.

Our Value

Our Single Altos Value: Everyone Owns Achieving Our Inspiring Mission.

Diversity at Altos

Altos Labs has been named one of the Top 3 Biotech Companies and ranked for the second year on the Forbes 2026 Best Startups in America list. At Altos, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.

What You Will Contribute To Altos

As an individual contributor and Scientist in Discovery Science, you will advance Altos' scientific programs on brain aging and neurodegeneration using lipid and protein biochemistry approaches. The ideal candidate is an expert in membrane and lipid biology with experience purifying and structurally characterizing transmembrane or peripheral membrane-binding proteins. You will design and implement workflows that include construct design, expression and purification from mammalian recombinant sources, chromatography purification, membrane reconstitution, and vitrification for electron microscopy. You will also carry out biochemical activity assays and characterize biophysical properties of purified proteins, including hydrodynamic radius, binding kinetics, protein stability, and oligomerization. Experience with mass spectrometry, NMR, or X-ray crystallography of lipid-protein interactions is also of interest but not required. This position is in the Frost group at Altos Labs' Bay Area campus.

Responsibilities

• Design expression constructs and perform recombinant cell culture for membrane protein and membrane-associated protein purification and characterization.
• Evaluate the purity, stability, and physical properties of purified proteins.
• Develop new protein activity assays and establish SOPs.
• Coordinate with CROs for material generation and analysis.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in a related field, such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics, or Structural Biology
• Demonstrable understanding of biochemistry, including the use of electron microscopy for structural biochemistry.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate within a dynamic team.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative binding biophysics (BLI, SPR, or ITC), including kinetic and affinity analysis.
• Experience with methods for assessing purity, mass, or stability (mass photometry, SEC-MALS, DLS, analytical SEC, or DSF/thermal stability).
• Experience reconstituting membrane or lipid-associated proteins into liposomes or nanodiscs.
• Experience with Cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis workflows.
• High level of rigor and precision in experimental design, data recording, and documentation in an ELN.
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude with the ability to independently troubleshoot, manage multiple priorities, and deliver under timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI-assisted protein design pipelines.
• Immunoassay development (ECL/MSD, ELISA).
• Bioconjugation or synthetic chemistry for lipid, glycan, or fluorophore probes.

The salary range for Redwood City, CA

• Scientist I, Scientific Technologies: $136,300 - $174,700
• Scientist II, Scientific Technologies: $156,800 - $201,000
• Senior Scientist I, Scientific Technologies: $172,400 - $221,000

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

For UK applicants, before submitting your application:

• This Privacy Notice is not a contract, express or implied and it does not set terms or conditions of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We value collaboration and scientific excellence.

We believe that a culture of belonging are foundational to scientific innovation and inquiry. At Altos Labs, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining an inclusive environment.

Altos Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Altos prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.

Note: Altos Labs will not ask you to download a messaging app for an interview or outlay your own money to get started as an employee. If this sounds like your interaction with people claiming to be with Altos, it is not legitimate and has nothing to do with Altos. Learn more about a common job scam at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-spot-avoid-online-job-scams-biron-clark/