Associate Engineer/Sr. Associate Engineer, High Throughput Operations

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures.

The High Throughput Operations team is growing and is currently seeking a creative, passionate, and detail-oriented Associate/Sr. Associate Engineer to join our dynamic group. The focus of this role will be to maintain automation equipment, assist in day-to-day high throughput activities, and contribute to process development of our in-house molecular cloning, mammalian screening, and NGS cores. This role is vital to ensuring that we can quickly build, productionize, and provide thorough support for the automated workflows used by Biology project teams to accelerate discoveries across the life sciences.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven protein design and to work cross-functionally with a diverse team of experts across machine learning, protein engineering, cell biology, and gene editing.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting procedures on liquid handlers, high throughput lab equipment, and other integrated systems
• Work cross-functionally to develop and improve high throughput processes for molecular biology, bacterial/mammalian cell screening, and NGS workflows
• Write verification and validation test protocols and deliver reports including IQ/OQ/PQ
• Generate SOPs and reports for validated automation processes and assist with implementation
• Provide onsite operator support for automated workflows
• Develop tools, reporting and operational documents for tracking equipment spare parts, service calls, and repairs
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and third-party service providers

Qualifications

• BS/MS in science or engineering discipline with 1-3 years of relevant experience
• Hands-on experience operating liquid handling systems (e.g. Tecan Fluent, Hamilton Star, Agilent Bravo, Beckman Coulter Biomek)
• Hands-on experience with protocol development and operation of gene assembly, cloning, mammalian screening, and NGS workflows
• Experience with high throughput assay development and validation
• Can adapt to changing project priorities and timelines
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and soft skills to build collaborative relationships that enable effective professional interactions with vendors and stakeholders

Preferences (but not required)

• High level of familiarity with gene editing systems, genome-wide assays to measure gene editing activity, specificity, and DNA repair outcomes.
• Experience working with external vendors and third-party service providers
• Some software development experience using python, C#, C++ or other programming languages

What we offer at Profluent

• A high-growth opportunity with meaningful impact
• Competitive compensation package
• Health insurance (health/dental/vision)
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy
• Commitment to physical and mental well-being
• More benefits and perks to be added!

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.

Hiring Salary Range$99,800—$135,500 USD