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’re looking for a senior research associate with experience in molecular biology and/or cell line development for pharmaceutical protein production. This role will be part of the cell line development team and will work closely with members of the synthetic biology and optogenetics team to revolutionize biomanufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Cloning and preparation of plasmids
• Engineering of mammalian cells
• Generation and maintenance of stable mammalian cell lines
• Characterization of engineered mammalian cells
• In collaboration with CLD scientists, bring two high value protein targets through cell line development and transition into process scale up within 9 months.
• Aid in the generation of SOPs for critical workflow steps.
• Aid production assays across high throughput and shake flask scales to identify clones and process conditions for high titer and quality
• Collaboration with automation, hardware engineers and synthetic biology teammates
• Analysis, documentation, and presentation of experimental data
  
  
  

About You

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field
• 4+ years lab experience in an industrial or academic research setting
• Experience in the cell line development field is a plus
• Experience with cloning of plasmids (particularly Golden Gate and Gibson Assembly)
• Proficient in the aseptic culturing of mammalian cells
• Experience with genetic engineering of mammalian cells (e.g. transfection, electroporation, or genome editing tools)
• Experience with routine technologies for analysis of mammalian cells (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopy, qPCR)
• Experience with suspension cells (e.g. CHO or HEK) is a plus
• Enjoy planning, carrying out, and documenting experimental work independently
• Excited about working with interdisciplinary teams
• Have strong technical communication skills
• Eager to work in a high-growth, fast-paced, and dynamic startup environment
  
  
  

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!