Sr. Associate Scientist I-II, Antibody Discovery and Optimization

Mosaic Biosciences; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with company match

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

Mosaic Biosciences, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado is seeking a Sr. Associate Scientist I or II to join the Antibody Discovery and Optimization team.

The role involves independent work on construction, validation, and screening of surface-displayed antibody libraries and delivering complete data packages on schedule. Candidates should have hands-on yeast display experience, PCR-based library construction, flow cytometry, and experience with cloning and antibody/libraries in bacterial and yeast cells.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Sr. Associate Scientist I: BS with 4+ years of experience, or MS with 2+; Sr. Associate Scientist II: BS with 6+ years, or MS with 4+.
• Hands-on experience with yeast display systems.
• Molecular biology techniques: RT-PCR, PCR, overlap extension PCR, cloning, primer design, and in-silico DNA construct design.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Cloning, expression, and antibodies/libraries in bacterial and yeast cells.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and troubleshoot moderately complex issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; willingness to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Execute antibody discovery and affinity maturation campaigns using yeast and phage display.
• Construct libraries using PCR, RT-PCR, Golden Gate/Gibson, and mutagenesis in phage and yeast display vectors.
• Conduct high-throughput screening (HTS) and flow cytometry analysis of campaign outputs.
• Develop and refine protocols, troubleshoot routine and complex issues, and suggest improvements.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to the team and project leads.
• Identify technical risks early and propose mitigation strategies to protect project scope and timelines.
• Work on multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of potential therapeutic leads.
• Build relationships within the team and with Project Leads to ensure complete, accurate data packages.
• Document data in ELN and LIMS in an organized, reproducible manner.
• Contribute ideas and actively participate in group problem-solving.

Skills

Yeast display

PCR/RT-PCR

Cloning

Primer design

DNA construct design

Flow cytometry

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Associate Scientist I or II to join our Antibody Discovery and Optimization team in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work independently with minimal guidance on the construction, validation, and screening of surface-displayed antibody libraries, and will contribute to client programs by delivering complete, accurate data packages on schedule.

The ideal candidate has strong, hands-on experience with display technology (yeast required, phage preferred), including DNA library construction and FACS and enjoys troubleshooting experiments and improving existing methods. Depending on experience and demonstrated capability, the individual will take on increasingly complex protocol development, problem solving, and client-facing scientific discussion.

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute antibody discovery and affinity maturation campaigns using yeast and phage display, working independently once general assignments are made
• Construct libraries using PCR, RT-PCR, Golden Gate/Gibson assembly, and mutagenesis in phage and yeast display vectors
• Conduct high-throughput screening (HTS) of antibody display campaign outputs using and flow cytometry
• Develop and refine protocols, troubleshoot routine and complex experimental issues, and suggest improvements or variations to established methods
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and clearly communicate findings to the team and project leads, including through internal presentations
• Identify technical risks early and propose mitigation strategies to protect project scope and timelines
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of potential therapeutic leads, with work reviewed at key checkpoints
• Build productive relationships within the immediate team and work cross-functional with Project Leads and Commercial teams to ensure data packages are complete, accurate, and delivered on schedule
• Document data in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) and LIMS in an organized, reproducible manner
• Contribute ideas and participate actively in group problem-solving to address challenging targets

Qualifications

Required

• BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Candidates will be considered for the Sr. Associate Scientist I or II level based on education and relevant industry experience:
  • Sr. Associate Scientist I: BS degree with 4+ years of industry experience, or MS degree with 2+ years of industry experience
  • Sr. Associate Scientist II: BS degree with 6+ years of industry experience, or MS degree with 4+ years of industry experience
• Direct, hands-on experience with yeast display systems
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including RT-PCR, PCR, overlap extension PCR, cloning, primer design, and in-silico DNA construct design
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Experience in cloning, expression, and antibodies/libraries in bacterial and yeast cells
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance, apply sound scientific and analytical problem-solving, and troubleshoot moderately complex issues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to share progress, risks, and experimental deviations promptly
• Willingness to learn and adopt new techniques

Location and compensation

This is a full-time position in Boulder, CO with in-person work in our labs.

Base Salary Range:

• Sr. Associate Scientist I: $75,000 - $85,000
• Sr. Associate Scientist II: $85,000 - $95,000

As a member of our team, you will be eligible for comprehensive, competitive, flexible benefits that include health and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, 401k with company match, and bonus opportunities based on company success.