About Allozymes

Allozymes consists of a team of scientists, creators, and innovators unlocking the power of biology to create a more sustainable future. Our advanced enzyme discovery and engineering platform is transforming the world of biosolutions across diverse industries.

Project Description

The objective of this project is to engineer a new, highly effective enzyme for breaking down PET plastic, turning waste into a valuable resource for a circular economy. Using Allozymes' advanced microfluidic screening technology, we will create and test millions of enzyme variations to find candidates that are stable at high temperatures and work much faster than current options.
 
As the Scientist I, you will be at the heart of this initiative, driving the project from the lab bench. Your primary responsibility will be to manage the entire experimental workflow, from the initial genetic design of the enzyme library to the final validation of the most promising biocatalysts. You will be the hands-on expert ensuring the project moves forward efficiently.

Roles and Responsibilities

Objectives

• Design & Build: Construct a large, high-quality library of PET hydrolase enzyme variants using advanced molecular cloning techniques.
• Screen & Identify: Develop and implement a high-throughput screening process using the company's proprietary microfluidic platform to identify top-performing enzyme candidates from millions of variants.
• Validate & Characterize: Rigorously test and analyze the best enzyme "hits" to confirm their enhanced stability and activity, using biochemical assays and HPLC analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead Experimental Execution: Take full ownership of the project's lab work, ensuring all experiments are planned, executed, and documented to the highest standard.
• Analyze and Interpret Data: Process complex datasets from screening and validation experiments, using scripting and statistical tools to generate actionable insights for the next engineering cycle.
• Communicate and Report: Clearly present experimental findings, progress, and challenges to the cross-functional R&D team.

Tasks and Duties

• Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, plasmid design, and gene cloning to create diverse enzyme libraries.
• Manage the expression of enzymes in microbial hosts (like E. coli) and purify them using chromatography methods.
• Analyze protein purity and expression levels using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Develop, optimize, and run analytical methods, particularly HPLC, to precisely measure the products of the enzymatic reaction.
• Operate and maintain key laboratory instruments, with a focus on HPLC systems.
• Write and adapt scripts (e.g., in Python or R) for efficient data processing and analysis.
• Maintain a detailed and accurate electronic lab notebook.
• Conduct literature and patent searches to stay at the forefront of the field and support project strategy.

Requirement of Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential Qualification

• A PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific field.

Skills

• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in molecular cloning, protein expression, purification (e.g., FPLC/ÄKTA), and characterization.
• Analytical Expertise: Strong, hands-on skills in HPLC method development, troubleshooting, and operation.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using software and scripting languages (Python, R, or JMP) for data analysis and visualization.
• Problem-Solving: A creative and independent mindset with a proven ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
• Project Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage tasks across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Experience

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with genetic engineering tools and the construction of mutant libraries.
• Proven track record in developing and performing a range of enzyme assays.
• Experience working in a collaborative, goal-oriented research environment.