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Analytical Scientist I

Prolific Machines

Job Location:

Emeryville, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 120000 - 140000

Posted: 3 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 27 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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. Were 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 Gatess Breakthrough Energy Ventures Mayfield and SOSV.

The Analytical Science team is looking for a talented scientist to collaboratively work with our R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize broad classes of therapeutic proteins. A successful candidate will bring an outcome-oriented skillset to recombinant protein quantification and characterization. You will work collaboratively with our teams to produce and purify diverse proteins from cell culture processes and be comfortable conducting a wide range of protein quality assessments. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville CA.

Key Responsibilities

Develop optimize and validate assays for protein quality and purity for broad classes of recombinant therapeutic proteins.
Plan and execute experimentation to understand protein quality through cell line upstream and downstream process development.
Execute summarize and interpret routine and complex therapeutic protein characterizations.
Qualify and validate assays upholding highly rigorous standards for execution and documentation.
Routinely operate maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation (HPLCs FPLCs mass spectrometers).
Author review and implement methods protocols validations and standard operating procedures.
Ensure processes are followed in accordance with these standards.

Qualifications & Skills

Hold a PhD in Analytical Chemistry Molecular Biology Biochemistry Pharmaceutical Sciences with 1 years of biologics industry experience. Candidates without a PhD but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply.
Have illustrated experience in therapeutic protein characterization approaches (eg. HPLC SDS CE cIEF LC-MS).
Have illustrated the ability to develop execute and interpret intact mass sequence confirmation and PTM analysis (e.g. glycosylation disulfide mapping peptide mapping) through mass spectrometry.
Have illustrated the ability to develop execute and interpret aggregation and charge variant characterizations for biologics.
Have experience in the development and execution of GLP-compliant methods characterizing protein quality attributes across a wide range of therapeutic classes.
Have hands-on experience operating LC-MS. Experience with Agilent QTOF instrumentation applied to assay protein quality is a plus including familiarity with proteomic software.
Are highly motivated to deliver successful outcomes for internal and external clients.
Are excited to work with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence.
Have strong communication skills and are comfortable teaching and sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail.

$120000 - $140000 a year

This role is salaried exempt and paid semi-monthly. Starting salary will be dependent upon specific experience knowledge and skillset. The range for the Scientist I level will typically fall between $120k-$140k.

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)

Required Experience:

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