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

Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.

About This Job

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Downstream Process Development Lead to join our growing team. This role is integral to establishing and driving the purification strategies for early-stage process development, with a primary focus on standard monoclonal antibodies and bispecific antibodies. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of success in downstream process development, a strong technical background and demonstrated leadership skills to build and lead a team of scientists and engineers.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow the downstream purification function within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Building
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists and engineers dedicated to downstream purification
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven team culture
• Downstream Process Strategy Development
• Design and implement robust and scalable purification strategies for monoclonal and bispecific antibodies in early-stage development
• Evaluate and implement innovative purification technologies to enhance process efficiency and product quality
• Provide expertise in scaling purification processes from laboratory to pilot scale
• Process Development and Optimization
• Oversee the development, optimization, and characterization of purification processes, including chromatography, filtration, and viral clearance steps
• Collaborate closely with upstream, analytical, and formulation teams to ensure seamless integration of processes
• Regulatory and Documentation
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices in process development
• Author and review technical reports, protocols, and regulatory submissions as needed
  
  
  

About You

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant biotechnology industry experience
• Alternatively, M.S. with 7+ years of hands-on experience in downstream process development
• Extensive experience in developing purification processes for monoclonal and bispecific antibodies
• Demonstrated expertise in chromatography, filtration techniques, and process characterization
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations for early-stage bioprocess development
• Proven ability to build and lead teams, with excellent mentoring and interpersonal skills
• Experience managing cross-functional collaborations
• Knowledge of downstream processing equipment, process scale-up, and technology transfer
• Familiarity with analytical methods to assess product quality
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
  
  
  

Diversity: We value diverse people, perspectives, and knowledge. To this end, we aim to foster a sense of belonging that enables everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work everyday. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team that encompasses all types of people. We believe this can only be achieved by acknowledging the ancestral, historic, and current systemic and communal inequities.

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

Benefits: Outstanding Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (including full spouse coverage), at least one all-expense-paid team holiday per year, flexibility in schedule and unlimited vacation days. Free lunch every day!