Staff Research Scientist

Davita Inc.; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Pasadena is seeking a highly skilled Staff Research Scientist to lead research focusing on biocatalysis and chemical biology. The role involves enzyme engineering and requires a Ph.D. with significant experience in synthetic chemistry and analytical methods. The candidate will work on novel catalytic functions and contribute to peptide-based therapeutics development in a collaborative environment. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Onsite counseling

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with 3+ years of experience.
• Expertise in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis with a strong publication record.
• Proficient in LC-MS and NGS workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze directed evolution campaigns.
• Conduct high-throughput screening using LC-MS.
• Collaborate with researchers on sequence-function relationships.

Skills

Enzyme engineering

Biocatalysis

Synthetic organic chemistry

Analytical method development

Programming in Python

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field

Tools

LC-MS

FPLC

NGS platforms

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Staff Research Scientist to lead project-specific research in the field of biocatalysis and chemical biology. The successful candidate will drive experimental and analytical components of enzyme engineering projects, particularly focused on novel catalytic functions and peptide-based therapeutics. This role is ideal for a Ph.D.-level scientist with extensive experience in directed evolution, synthetic chemistry, and analytical method development.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Design, execute, and analyze directed evolution campaigns to develop enzymes with novel or improved catalytic activities.
• Conduct high-throughput screening of biocatalytic reactions using LC-MS and related analytical techniques.
• Construct genetic diversity using techniques such as epPCR, site-saturation mutagenesis (SSM), and StEP recombination.
• Purify proteins using FPLC and characterize enzymatic properties (e.g., activity, enantioselectivity, substrate scope).
• Apply next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms (Illumina and MinION) for deep sequencing of mutant libraries and demultiplex sequencing data.
• Synthesize and purify small molecules and peptide analogs for use as substrates, standards, or therapeutic leads.
• Collaborate with machine learning researchers to interpret sequence-function relationships and validate predictive models.
• Design and carry out SAR studies for peptide or oligonucleotide analogs to optimize delivery and efficacy in biological systems.
• Support manuscript preparation, data presentation, and grant writing.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field.
• 3+ years postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Proven expertise in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis, particularly with heme-containing proteins.
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and peptide synthesis/design.
• Proficiency in LC-MS (including QTOF and TOF), FPLC, peptide synthesis, and chromatographic purification (HPLC/UHPLC).
• Experience in NGS library preparation, sequencing, and analysis workflows.
• Demonstrated programming proficiency in Python for data processing and analysis.
• Familiarity with structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation.
• Evidence of scientific leadership, including mentoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Strong publication record in journals such asJACS,Nature Synthesis, andJournal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industrial or translational research experience in biotechnology or therapeutics.
• Prior experience setting up or scaling research infrastructure and training new team members.
• Experience with regulatory or preclinical workflows for therapeutic development.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover letter detailing your relevant experience and research interests.

Hiring Range

$60,000 - $82,500 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].