Sr Research Scientist 1 - Enzyme Development - Promega

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Promega is a global leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to life scientists in academic, industrial and government settings.

Join our team at Promega and play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge recombinant enzymes for protein and nucleic acid analytical applications, as well as therapeutic production processes. This exciting position calls for a deep understanding of biochemistry, enzymology, enzyme optimization via mutagenesis, protein purification, and analytical methods including UV-RP-HPLC, LC/MS, and qPCR. We seek a dynamic candidate with the versatility to effortlessly transition between diverse projects and objectives, consistently delivering high-quality data to drive enzyme application advancements. Proficiency in bioinformatic tools is essential, with a strong preference for expertise in synthetic biology and AI-driven computational approaches for enzyme structural modifications. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are vital for internal presentations and customer interactions. As a collaborative member of our multidisciplinary team, you will also lead the writing of scientific publications, patents, and other professional communications. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to influence decisions for future developments, shaping the direction of innovative biotechnological advancements. Join us and be a part of a team that's making a real impact in the field of biotechnology.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Designing and optimizing expression and purification of recombinant enzymes.

2. Development of enzymological assays.

3. Leveraging advanced AI tools to optimize enzyme design and predict functional properties, thus accelerating the development process and enhancing or modifying the enzyme performance characteristics. This work requires expertise in enzyme mutagenesis.

4. Lead product development. This activity includes formulation of product development strategy to meet project milestones and timeline, creating and executing experimental plan and maintaining the project documentation.

5. Support post-launch commercialization activities including writing technical materials and publishing peer-reviewed papers.

6. Contribute to preparation of patents.

7. Present the products at scientific and industry meetings.

8. Maintain communication with customers and KOLs to define critical product requirements and ensure adequate product testing. Collaborate with customers on characterization of the developed products and co-publish the obtained results. Conduct customer visits.

9. Provide customer support including handling customers’ inquiries and assisting Technical Services.

10. Monitor trends in protein and nucleic acid analytical field and therapeutic production processes. Identify opportunities for novel enzyme development in these fields.

11. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

12. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

13. Understand and comply with all elements of the Promega Quality System outlined for the position. 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Successful candidates should have a PhD degree in a scientific discipline with 0-3 years post graduate experience.

2. Prior work in industry is a plus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Proven expertise in expression of recombinant proteins in microbial cultures.

2. Proven expertise in designing and optimizing protein purification.

3. Broad expertise in protein and nucleic acid analytical techniques including SDS-PAGE analysis, Western blot hybridization, RP HPLC, PCR and others. Prior work with LC-MS is a plus.

4. Proven expertise in enzyme characterization and development of enzymological assays.

5. Knowledge of bioinformatic tools. Experience with AI-driven computational tools and proven use of these tools to advance research objectives is highly desirable.

6. Proven problem-solving skills.

7. Proven presentation and interpersonal communication skills. A candidate is expected to conduct expert-level discussions with customers about analytical and production enzymes and identify unmet customers’ needs in these products.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to work at lab bench or fume hood for extended period of time

2. Ability to wear protection gear (gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, etc.)

3. Ability to operate a computer

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ational origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.