Senior Scientist, Analytical Operations

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind optogenetic platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology enables dynamic, tunable control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, and reproducibility advantages across the most complex pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.

The Analytical Chemistry team is looking for a Senior Scientist who will execute and improve the efficiency of core analytical procedures including titer determination and product quality assessment (Aggregation, charge heterogeneity, glycan composition). Additionally this scientist will design and execute characterizations supporting cell line development and bioprocess development programs. This position will balance hands-on lab work, coordinating resourcing within the team and people management.

Responsibilities:

Manage day to day execution of core platform assays (e.g., Protein A titer, SEC, CE-SDS, icIEF, intact/subunit mass, released glycans) for CLD and BPD programs, delivering data on agreed turnaround with consistent, documented quality.

Manage and coordinate research associates across multiple projects. Translate results into recommendations for clone selection and process decisions.

Find and remove bottlenecks across the workflows, from sample intake and preparation through instrument time, data processing, and review.

Own system suitability criteria, control standards, and performance trending for our highest volume characterizations. Lead troubleshooting and root-cause work as assay drift is observed.

Design, run, and interpret characterization studies (e.g., size and charge variants, PTMs, glycosylation, intact and subunit mass, peptide mapping, assembly of multispecific formats).

Write and maintain clear methods, SOPs, processing templates and reports ensuring data consistency across analysts.

Manage and maintain analytical instrumentation (HPLC/UPLC, CE, LC-MS including Agilent QTOF, AKTA) through preventative maintenance, calibration, coordination with instrument vendors.

Train and mentor Research Associates and Scientists on assay execution and characterization, and set clear standards for execution, documentation, and reporting.

About You:

Hold a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 5+ years of biologics industry experience, or an MS/BS with equivalent relevant industry experience.

Have a track record of measurably improving the throughput, turnaround, or robustness of analytical workflows in a high-volume setting.

Have deep hands-on expertise in chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for biologics (e.g., Protein A, SEC, RP, IEX; CE-SDS, icIEF), including troubleshooting.

Have hands-on LC-MS experience for protein characterization (intact and subunit mass, peptide mapping, PTM and glycan analysis) and with MS data processing software.

Have led the characterization of a biologic for a project team: designing studies, interpreting complex or conflicting data, and making a clear recommendation.

Bring statistical thinking to experimental design and interpretation.

Have effectively managed research associates and early career scientists.

Are highly organized, can balance routine delivery with project work, and make trade-offs explicit rather than absorbing them.

Have strong communication skills and are comfortable presenting at multiple levels of technical detail.

Experience with complex modalities (e.g., bispecifics, fusion proteins) and CHO-based expression and process development is a plus.

Familiarity with phase-appropriate method qualification (ICH Q2(R2)/Q14) and IND-enabling CMC analytics, as our programs advance toward the clinic is a plus.

Benefits : Generous equity package in an early stage company, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, career coaching, mental health support, free team lunches everyday, great snacks, and companywide social events!

Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

150000 - 180000 USD a year This role is salaried, exempt, and paid semi-monthly. Starting salary will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range depending on exact level will typically fall between $150k-$180k for Senior Scientist.