Research Scientist - Protein Design and Optimization (Remote)

About the Role

Join us as a Research Scientist - Protein Design and Optimization (Remote) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). In this role, you will lead high-impact multidisciplinary research at the interface of protein design, ultra-high-throughput experimentation, and directed evolution. This position is crucial as it empowers teams to tackle some of the toughest challenges in protein biology today.

What You'll Do

• Develop high-throughput methods for screening protein-protein interactions to support the development of AI/ML predictive models, specifically flow cytometry-based assays to characterize yeast surface display libraries.
• Guide the implementation and development of in vivo directed evolution capabilities at LLNL.
• Oversee a team of automation engineers translating manual data generation workflows into custom automated environments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the AI/ML team and the experimental team, ensuring clarity and productive collaboration.
• Supervise and mentor technical staff, providing regular feedback on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Present research progress and results to internal leadership and funding sponsors.
• Lead the development of manuscripts, technical reports, and patent disclosures arising from the work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a relevant field.
• Significant experience with yeast display and cell sorting (FACS, MACS).
• Advanced knowledge of protein-protein interaction biology, including antibody engineering principles.
• Experience with NGS workflows as applied to display library analysis.
• Advanced literacy in computational biology, including data handling in Python or R.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior researchers.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-based environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience with high-diversity libraries and multi-round selection campaigns.
• Experience with directed evolution approaches like OrthoRep or PACE.
• Experience engineering antibodies or antibody fragments for specific design goals.
• Familiarity with automation environments and liquid handling platforms.
• Experience managing work across independent teams, especially in academic-industry collaborations.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary range of $175,530 - $222,564 annually.
• Comprehensive relocation assistance to help you settle into your new role.
• Flexible benefits package including 401(k) and education reimbursement.
• Flexible schedules depending on project needs.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.