About the position
Calico Life Sciences LLC is a pioneering research and development company founded by Alphabet, dedicated to advancing our understanding of the biology that governs human aging. Our mission is to leverage cutting-edge technologies and model systems to develop interventions that promote longer, healthier lives. At Calico, we foster a culture of curiosity-driven discovery science, supported by our innovative technology labs and a robust drug-development pipeline in collaboration with academic and industry partners. This environment creates an inspiring atmosphere for catalyzing medical breakthroughs. We are currently seeking a Scientist to join our Protein Science team, focusing on research related to aging and age-related diseases. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with computational modeling scientists to explore structure-activity relationships that inform therapeutic design and optimization. This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual who can work autonomously with various experimental techniques and is comfortable presenting findings to cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in protein biochemistry and a passion for scientific discovery.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with computational modeling scientists to investigate structure-activity relationships for therapeutic design and optimization.
- Design and conduct in-vitro protein activity assays using various formats, including fluorescence and western blot-based methods.
- Evaluate enzyme kinetics and IC50 values for different inhibitor modalities, including small molecules, peptides, and biologics.
- Perform binding assays using techniques such as SPR, BLI, or ITC.
- Design protein constructs, express proteins in bacterial and mammalian cells, and purify secreted and intracellular proteins using AKTA FPLCs and chromatography procedures.
- Utilize molecular viewing software (e.g., PyMOL or Chimera) to analyze protein structure and function.
- Document experimental procedures and results using an electronic notebook.
- Work independently and as part of a cross-functional team to achieve project goals.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, biology, structural biology, biophysics, chemical biology, or a related discipline.
- 0-2 years of additional training in an industry or academic setting.
- Demonstrated experience in protein biochemistry, evidenced by high-profile publications.
- Strong experience in designing and conducting in-vitro protein activity assays.
- Experience with enzyme kinetics and evaluating IC50 values for various inhibitor modalities is advantageous.
- Proficiency in binding assays using SPR, BLI, or ITC is a plus.
- Expertise in protein construct design, expression, and purification using AKTA FPLCs and chromatography procedures is required.
- Thorough understanding of protein structure and function, with experience in molecular viewing software (PyMOL or Chimera).
- Familiarity with experimental structure determination techniques such as X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM is advantageous.
- Experience using an electronic notebook is a plus.
- Experience working with CROs is a plus.
- Accountable, detail-oriented, and able to multitask.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently in a cross-functional team environment.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with enzyme kinetics and evaluating IC50 values for various inhibitor modalities.
- Experience with binding assays using SPR, BLI, or ITC.
- Familiarity with experimental structure determination techniques such as X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM.
- Experience using an electronic notebook.
- Experience working with CROs.
Benefits
- Eligible for two annual cash bonuses.
