Senior Scientist — Membrane Protein 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

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