Staff / Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry
Glyphic Biotechnologies · San Francisco Bay Area
📍 Berkeley, CA💰 $123,000 - $187,575via greenhousePosted 2026-04-20
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About Glyphic:
At Glyphic Biotechnologies, we plan to create the protein revolution for which scientists and researchers have been waiting. We are developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform that will transform life science discovery and usher in a new era of insights into human biology and disease. To date, we have raised >$80M from venture partners and non-dilutive grant funding to achieve our vision of next generation proteome sequencing.
What we are looking for in you
We are seeking a Senior or Staff Scientist, Bioconjugation to join our Chemistry team at a pivotal stage in assay development. Reporting to the Senior Director of Chemistry, you will be a hands-on expert who designs, develops, and executes bioconjugation strategies for peptide and oligonucleotide components that are central to our single-molecule proteome sequencing assay.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in protein and peptide bioconjugation, site-specific chemical modification of amino acid sidechains, and oligonucleotide-biomolecule conjugation, with a track record of working in complex, multi-component systems (e.g., ADCs, therapeutic bioconjugates, or new bioconjugated components for assays). A successful candidate will have an innovative method-development mindset and will effectively build new approaches to making bioconjugates. This individual will thrive in a cross-functional environment where chemical solutions must be tightly integrated into assay design.
This role offers the unique opportunity to develop first-in-class conjugation chemistry that enables single-molecule protein sequencing.
This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.
What you’ll do
Bioconjugation strategies:
Partner with sample prep and assay development to screen and select conjugation chemistries for peptides and oligonucleotides that enable single molecule protein sequencing
Design bioconjugation workflows using NHS-ester chemistry, maleimides, isothiocyanate chemistry, and click chemistry (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA)
Prepare bioconjugation reagents to enable studies from proof-of-concept through prototype-kitting.
Peptide chemistry:
Develop labeling strategies based on Edman Chemistry
Develop and apply selective C-terminal and N-terminal conjugation chemistries
Develop site-specific labeling strategies for amino acid sidechains (Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, His, Asp/Glu) on native peptides. Screen protecting groups to enhance amino acid signal in the protein sequencing assay
Enable on-bead workflow to label and release peptides for interrogation in the sequencing assay
Synthesize, characterize, and scale:
Synthesize and purify peptide and oligonucleotide conjugates for assay testing
Characterize conjugation efficiency, purity, and stability using tools such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, CE, UV/Vis, and FTIR
Scale conjugate synthesis from R&D quantities to prototype-grade supply for internal testing, with attention to reproducibility, shelf-life, and fit-for-purpose quality
Collaborate and document:
Work cross-functionally with sample preparation, assay integration, and reagent manufacturing teams to troubleshoot conjugation failures and optimize workflows
Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures
Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in Confluence and laboratory notebooks; author and maintain SOPs for new conjugation methods
What you need
Required :
MS or PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field
Industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry, with demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, and troubleshoot conjugation workflows
MS/PhD with 8+/6+ years of experience (for Staff Scientist)
MS/PhD with 6+/4+ years of experience (for Senior Scientist)
Deep expertise in protein and/or peptide bioconjugation: NHS esters, maleimides, click chemistries (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA), isothiocyanate coupling, and related bioorthogonal approaches
Experience with site-specific amino acid sidechain chemistry beyond maleimide chemistry (e.g. Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, Asp/Glu) for application in multistep workflows
Track record developing novel blocking groups and conducting SAR studies to optimize blocking group performance and selectivity
Proficiency in analytical characterization: HPLC method development, LC-MS/MS for conjugate analysis, UV/Vis, and CE
Method-development mindset: history of building and adapting new chemical approaches rather than executing established protocols
Demonstrated ability to function as an independent contributor and collaborative partner in a cross-functional team setting
Nice to have :
Hands-on experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), including protecting group strategies beyond standard Fmoc/Boc and selective on-resin modifications
Experience with peptide C-terminal chemistry manipulation methods: thioester formation, native chemical ligation, or photoredox/iridium-catalyzed C-terminal labeling
Familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry and oligo-conjugation techniques (ITC, phosphoramidite modifications, click coupling to nucleic acids)
Experience with scalable surface chemistry methods for flow cells or solid-phase supports
Familiarity with statistical and DOE-based experimental design for chemistry optimization
Prior experience in an early-stage biotech or tools/diagnostics company
We’re looking for a teammate that :
Navigates complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.
Operates with adaptability, urgency, and flexibility in evolving environments, thriving in ambiguity.
Drives work forward without needing to be asked, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks.
Treats obstacles as problems to be creatively solved, not reasons something can’t be done.
Applies sound judgment to the best available
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