Scientist, Protein & Antibody Chemistry

About the role

We are seeking a Scientist / Senior Scientist to join our very early‑stage stealth biotech company. Based at Alexandria Launch Labs in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood, this is a hands‑on, on‑site lab role for an experimental scientist who is excited to help build a new technological platform from the ground up. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working closely with a small team, tackling important technical challenges, and helping shape both the science and the way the lab operates, with a particular focus on antibody chemistry, protein bioconjugation, purification, and characterization.

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments involving antibodies, antibody‑derived constructs, and related protein reagents.
• Develop and optimize antibody chemistry and bioconjugation workflows, including site‑selective and residue‑selective labeling/modification strategies where relevant.
• Purify and characterize antibodies, proteins, and conjugates using affinity methods, SEC, ion exchange, FPLC/ÄKTA, and HPLC.
• Develop analytical workflows to assess purity, yield, conjugation efficiency, aggregation, and sample quality.
• Perform and interpret protein characterization experiments, including SDS‑PAGE, concentration/quality checks, buffer prep, and biochemical or binding assays depending on project needs.
• Express and purify recombinant proteins when needed, primarily in
  
  E. coli (though experience with mammalian expression is also a benefit), including troubleshooting expression, solubility, and yields.
• Analyze data, communicate findings clearly, and help guide next experimental steps.
• Track samples, maintain strong documentation, and contribute to internal reports, SOPs, invention disclosures, and publications where relevant.
• Help build robust lab workflows and infrastructure, including inventory, reagent prep, equipment upkeep, and continuous process improvement.

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or BS/MS with 5+ years of highly relevant industry or academic experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with antibody chemistry, protein bioconjugation, or antibody‑related workflows.
• Experience with protein purification and characterization, including FPLC/ÄKTA and possibly HPLC.
• Strong experimental background in protein handling, analytical characterization, and biochemical assay development.
• Familiarity with recombinant protein expression and purification, ideally including
  
  E. coli, but not necessarily as the main focus of prior work.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot, optimize methods, and drive projects forward with limited oversight.
• Strong organization and documentation habits.
• Clear communicator who can share results and reasoning with teammates from different backgrounds.
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced startup environment where priorities evolve and multiple workflows run in parallel.

• Experience with antibody conjugates, linker chemistry, cysteine/lysine labeling, or site‑specific conjugation methods.
• Familiarity with immunology or therapeutic antibody development workflows.
• Exposure to single‑molecule biophysics, including nanopore or fluorescence‑based methods.
• Experience with mass spec for protein or conjugate characterization.
• Experience with mammalian or yeast expression systems.
• Basic scripting or data analysis experience.
• Evidence of scientific ownership through papers, patents, posters, talks, or invention disclosures.