Head of Protein Sciences
Head of Protein Sciences
Posted on :
25-09-2025
Employer Active
1 Vacancy
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via emailValid email field required
Send jobs
Share
Send me jobs like this
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via emailValid email field required
Send jobs
Job Description
Ready to unlock the full potential of biology Were looking for a visionary Head of Protein Sciences to lead the team that purifies and characterizes the groundbreaking proteins made by our EntoEngine platform. Youll be the go-to expert for solving our toughest biochemistry challenges and expanding the foundational science that proves our platforms value to the world.
Changing the world - one fruit fly at a time.
Weve developed a novel insect-based expression platform that allows us to make the worlds most sustainable recombinant proteins.
Were unleashing the next biorevolution.
At Future Fields we are continually learning and evolving. We know we dont have all the answers but we try to ask all the questions. We believe in failing forward and leveraging our mistakes to help us grow. We never want our team to feel constrained by the status quo and we dont judge ideas based on where they come from. We actively work to foster a culture of collaboration innovation and psychological safety through transparency structure and open communication. We know it sounds cliche but every employee really is a valued and equal member of the Future Fields team.
Come find your purpose with Future Fields.
We are a rapidly growing venture backed startup (with support from awesome investors including Bee Partners Y Combinator BDC Climate Tech R7 Partners Toyota Ventures and Amplify Capital). Weve even had a shoutout from Ironman himself! Joining our team now means youll have the opportunity to shape our culture and products to lead others and to influence the direction of our company. Perhaps most importantly - youll be joining a team that is genuinely energized by this work and the meaningful potential of biotech to change the world.
About the role
The Head of Protein Sciences will be the cornerstone of our protein biochemistry function providing the strategic vision and technical leadership required to unlock the full potential of our novel EntoEngine platform. This role reports directly to the VP of R&D and will collaborate closely with functional leads across the company. As the companys ultimate protein expert you will be accountable for the success of all protein-related work from discovery and process development to final characterization. You will lead and mentor our talented Protein and Assay Development teams fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation. This is a senior leadership role that will not only shape the direction of a critical R&D function but will also be a force multiplier for the entire company translating deep technical expertise into foundational strategies that drive our long-term success.
- Setting the technical vision and long-term strategy for protein sciences at Future Fields ensuring your teams work aligns with and drives our core business objectives.
- Serving as the key technical lead and protein guru for all biochemistry-related activities acting as the ultimate resource for troubleshooting complex challenges in protein expression extraction purification and analysis.
- Leading the design execution and optimization of robust downstream processes for both internal R&D and external client projects with a focus on developing scalable methods for purifying even the most difficult-to-express proteins (DTEPs).
- Building and expanding our protein analytics and characterization capabilities creating the compelling data-rich case studies needed to sharpen our value proposition and drive commercial success.
- Leading mentoring and growing our Protein and Assay Development (AD) scientists holding the team to a high standard of excellence and fostering their professional development.
- Providing expert guidance to the Genetics team on construct and plasmid design to optimize protein expression solubility and function from the outset.
- Collaborating closely with the Process Development and Manufacturing teams to ensure the seamless transfer and scale-up of purification processes.
- Supplying technical data and insights to support the Commercial team when needed.
A visionary scientific leader with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry Protein Chemistry or a related field and 8 years of industry experience in recombinant protein science. We are seeking a proven protein whiz who has a deep hands-on track record of solving complex purification and characterization challenges across a wide variety of protein classes. The ideal candidate is both a technical leader and mentor capable of building and inspiring a high-performing team in a fast-paced collaborative environment. Relevant experience outside of academia is a must.
About you
Are you the person who sees a complex protein purification challenge not as a roadblock but as an opportunity to innovate Are you the protein whisperer who can troubleshoot any biochemistry problem from low yield to non-functionality You own the outcome period. You arent afraid to dig into the data ask why and challenge assumptions with candor and kindness to find the best path forward. You thrive on moving with purpose relentlessly prioritizing the work that drives the biggest impact. As a natural leader you default to open sharing your learnings widely and mentoring your colleagues to elevate the entire organization. You are passionate about building the foundational strategies and systems that will allow us to deliver on our promise: using fruit flies for the betterment of life.
- A Ph.D. in Biochemistry Protein Chemistry Molecular Biology or a related discipline with 8 years of relevant industry experience.
- Deep demonstrated expertise in developing and optimizing downstream processes including diverse chromatography techniques (IEX HIC SEC Affinity) and FPLC systems (e.g. ÄKTA).
- Broad experience across multiple recombinant expression systems (e.g. microbial yeast insect mammalian).
- Proven success in troubleshooting the expression and purification of a wide range of challenging proteins (DTEPs).
- Extensive hands-on experience with a broad suite of modern protein analytical and biophysical characterization techniques (e.g. Mass Spectrometry SPR/BLI DLS CD DSF).
- Proven expertise in the design development and validation of robust assays from the ground up to characterize protein function stability and purity.
- A strong track record of leading mentoring and managing scientific teams to deliver on ambitious goals.
- Excellent strategic thinking problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills.
- Direct experience with insect expression systems particularly Drosophila melanogaster.
- Experience translating and scaling processes from the bench to pilot or manufacturing scale.
- Familiarity with working in or for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environments.
This roadmap outlines the impact youll make as you grow with us. Well use this as a guide for your first year knowing that in a fast-paced environment well adapt and evolve these goals together.
Within 1 month you will:
- Embed deeply with the Protein and Genetics teams to understand the current state of the EntoEngine platform.
- Develop and present a strategic technical roadmap for the Protein Sciences function identifying key gaps and opportunities.
Within 3 months you will:
- Take full ownership of the Protein Sciences strategy and team operations. You will launch initiatives to implement new analytical methodologies and will be actively leading your team to unlock a new level of performance for a key protein class.
Within 6 months you will:
- Deliver a validated expanded suite of protein analytical offerings that can be immediately leveraged by the Commercial team. Your leadership will have resulted in measurable improvements in the yield purity or characterization of 1-2 key proteins directly supporting major company objectives.
Within 1 year you will:
- Define and provide data to answer the fundamental question: What proteins are we better at making than anyone else
- You will have established a high-performing results-driven team whose work is foundational to new commercial deals and our long-term innovation strategy solidifying your role as a key leader shaping the future of the company.
About our team
Our story and approach to science is anything but conventional. Matt (co-founder/CEO) was a touring punk rock musician who dropped out of University before returning to complete his PhD in cell biology. Jalene (co-founder/COO) is a social researcher by training previously working on issues from the right to affordable housing to harm reduction. The spark of an idea for our technology came while waiting in line for tiny Canadian donuts. Our broader team of scientists engineers circus performers restaurateurs dancers music aficionados kid parents pet parents cyclists and artists hail from every corner of the world - from small town Alberta to Poland India Vietnam and Pakistan. We credit our diverse team and experiences as the key to our success - and we encourage candidates of all identities and backgrounds to apply.
FAQs
Where is Future Fields located
Our headquarters and production facility are located in downtown Edmonton Alberta in a renovated historic warehouse. From the exposed brick to our summer patio- its not your average lab space. It is central close to transit and bike lanes and walking distance to some of the citys best coffee shops restaurants and Edmontons incredible river valley.
I dont live in Edmonton. Why would I want to relocate there
Because its great! For starters Edmonton is one of Canadas sunniest cities with 2299 hours of bright sunshine per year. Its consistently ranked one of Canadas most affordable cities to live in and was recently described as Canadas most exciting culinary city. Theres a festival almost every weekend North Americas largest mall and the longest stretch of urban parkland on the continent (over 160km of trails!). Theres something for everyone in Edmonton and it will be even better with you in it.
Any other perks
Many! Some include: comprehensive health dental and vision benefits; flexible paid time off policy; and the office is always stocked with snacks and all the coffee you can drink.
Will I like working for a startup
Great question. Startup life is definitely not for everyone. We move quickly. Projects and priorities shift fast. There is a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty at times and were not immune to the growing pains of a rapidly scaling startup. The risk is high but so is the reward. We promise you will never get bored. You will have fun and learn a lot. You will grow personally and professionally in ways you never imagined (alongside our company). You will be part of something much bigger than yourself and contribute directly to the mission of a team who cares deeply about changing the world for the better. Oh and equity!
Sound like something you are interested in Here are the next steps:
Apply online using our job portal.
If it seems like a good fit next steps will look somewhat like this:
- We will contact you for a casual 30 minute video call.
- We will set up an interview to dive into your technical skills and motivation.
- Well arrange another interview to figure out how you fit with our team and culture and better understand your career trajectory.
- We will set up a coffee chat with you and a team member. This is your chance to dig in and find out what its really like to work for Future Fields. This is for you!
- We will speak with two of your references to confirm our assumption that you are in fact our next great hire.
- We offer you a job!
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. For international candidates support for Canadian work authorization may be provided.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
Key Skills
Report This Job
Disclaimer: Drjobpro.com is only a platform that connects job seekers and employers. Applicants are advised to conduct their own independent research into the credentials of the prospective employer.We always make certain that our clients do not endorse any request for money payments, thus we advise against sharing any personal or bank-related information with any third party. If you suspect fraud or malpractice, please contact us via contact us page.
