Scientist I, R&D

This role is not open to remote applicants and would require relocation to Seattle, WA.

Starting Salary Range: $122,000 - $138,000 annually

Exemption Status: Exempt

Location Expectations: Hybrid

At A-Alpha Bio, we’re on a mission to improve human health by unlocking the potential of protein-protein interactions – and we’re now seeking a Scientist I to design, execute, and analyze experiments that leverage our AlphaSeq and AlphaBind platforms for drug discovery, with a focus on biologic therapeutics. 

• As a scientist, you’ll design yeast surface display libraries as well as perform, supervise, and troubleshoot experimental assays.  
• As an analyst, you’ll conduct complex data analyses on large experimental protein engineering datasets. 
• As a cross-functional team member, you’ll manage complex internal and external projects, conveying work plans through both presentations and written reports. 

You'll also contribute to the development of other experimental and computational platforms for the company. 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and lead the execution of internal R&D programs aimed at the discovery and validation of protein-protein interactions with therapeutic potential in the protein biologics space.
• Participate in discussions to determine departmental strategy and define project specifications with external partners and collaborators.
• Contribute to the design and lead the execution of projects for external partners, collaborators, and funding agencies.
• Present scientific findings to both internal teams and external collaborators and partners.
• Collaborate closely with the Data Science team to analyze massive protein-protein interaction datasets while addressing key research questions.
• Assist in the transfer of developed processes to the Technical Operations & Engineering team.
• Mentor and train junior members of the R&D and Technical Operations Teams.
• Independently author detailed, accurate, and accessible documentation of experiments and data.
• Remain current with scientific literature, presenting to the team on relevant topics.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• PhD in a related field; Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 8+ years of relevant laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry, protein engineering, and molecular biology. 
• Intermediate-level statistics and data science skills in Python (e.g., Pandas, Matplotlib, SciPy) or other relevant coding language. 
• Demonstrated experience with troubleshooting. 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills. 
• Self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, and excitement to carry out interdisciplinary research in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred

• Experience in antibody discovery, antibody engineering, protein biologics, and/or immunology. 
• Experience with DNA library assays (e.g., surface display, yeast-two-hybrid) and next-generation sequencing (e.g., Illumina, ONT, PacBio). 
• Experience with flow cytometry, protein-based assays, tissue culture, and/or yeast biology. 
• Strong statistics and data science skills in Python (e.g., Pandas, Matplotlib, SciPy) or other relevant software or coding language. 
• Technical proficiency with at least one macromolecular modeling suite, preferably Rosetta.