Scientist / Senior Scientist, Assay Development (Sample Prep)

What we are looking for in you

We are seeking a technically driven, detail-oriented, and collaborative Scientist to support sample preparation method development. Reporting to the Director of Assay Development you will test and optimize Glyphic’s single-molecule protein sequencing platform, ensuring it achieves industry-leading metrics for robustness, sensitivity, and scalability. A critical component of this work involves developing and integrating specialized sample preparation protocols for diverse biological inputs with stringent downstream requirements for high-purity and high-accuracy proteomic applications. Your work will directly advance the development of a high-throughput, end-to-end sequencing solution built for real-world samples.

The ideal candidate independently troubleshoots complex technical challenges, rapidly iterates on experimental designs, and communicates effectively across multidisciplinary teams. A track record of adapting protocols for novel sample types and executing within high-throughput environments will be key to making an immediate impact.

This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.

What you’ll do

Assay Development

• Design, test, and optimize inputs for ProSE experiments for robustness, sensitivity, and scalability, including improving reaction efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead the integration of novel chemistry developments into sample preparation and assay workflows, driving high-precision proteomic peptide generation with an eye toward reproducibility, automation, and scalability.
• Optimize and integrate C-terminal and side-chain blocking chemistries - developed by the Chemistry team -  into automated assay workflows.
• Propose and qualify in-process controls and analytical tools to build a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving sequencing efficiency across peptides with diverse physicochemical properties, including length, hydrophobicity, and charge.
• Apply chemoenzymatic synthesis approaches and characterize individual enzymatic reaction steps to evaluate efficiency, selectivity, and compatibility.

Sample Preparation:

• Introduce and validate real biological sample inputs, enabling sequencing of diverse, relevant material across a range of sample types and complexities.
• Evaluate and process incoming Key Opinion Leader (KOL) samples, ensuring preparation methods accommodate sample-specific constraints and analytical requirements.
• Assess diverse sample types, determine appropriate analytical approaches, and develop extraction and purification protocols for inputs derived from matrices such as cells, tissues and blood, collaborating with chemists to scale and integrate these methods into high-throughput workflows.
• Develop and implement strategies for sample enrichment, depletion, and dynamic range management to optimize ProSE sequencing yield.
• Support the generation and sourcing of standard reference materials using cell culture techniques, including establishing the instrumentation needed to produce and purify proteins and peptides from cell cultures and other biological materials.

What you need

Required:

• Degree in biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, or an equivalent field; including:
• PhD / MS / BS with 4+ / 6+ / 8+ years of relevant experience (Senior Scientist)
• PhD / MS / BS with 0+ / 2+ / 4+ years of relevant experience (Scientist I)
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and optimizing ultrasensitive proteomic assays from real biological samples, with experience generating quantitative readouts across diverse analytical platforms (e.g., LCMS for discovery proteomics). 
• Experience processing real biological samples from various sources (cell lines, blood, tissue, etc.)
• Expertise with developing sample preparation or enrichment methods for low-abundance targets or limited input material.
• Understanding of peptide chemistry and strategies to prevent degradation of post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as methylation and phosphorylation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

Nice to have:

• Deep familiarity with highly multiplexed, high-sensitivity protein quantification platforms (e.g., nELISA, NuLISA, immunoassays, PLE, or PEA).
• Experience with nanopore platforms for sequencing or label-free detection.
• Experience with single-cell or spatial proteomics and transcriptomics.
• Comfort working with R or Python to input experimental results and navigate established data analysis workflows.

We’re looking for a teammate that:

• Navigates complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.
• Operates with adaptability, urgency, and flexibility in evolving environments, thriving in ambiguity.
• Drives work forward without needing to be asked, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks.
• Treats obstacles as problems to be creatively solved, not reasons something can’t be done.
• Applies sound judgment to the best available information, testing, learning, and iterating.
• Shares early and directly when assumptions change, results are unclear, or timelines are at risk.

What you can expect from this role

Work environment:

• Collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
• Direct impact on product development and company direction

Professional growth:

• Learn from a diverse team of world-class scientists and engineers
• Contribute to first-of-their kind technologies, high-impact publications, and patents
• Opportunity to develop and manage relationships with Key Opinion Leaders

Compensation

Estimated Base Salary  $90,200 - $161,950

This is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including, experience, education, skillset, and geographic location. This range is for the SF Bay Area, California location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.