Specialist, Chemical Biotechnologies (Onsite)

Job Description

SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey, is seeking a Specialist to support and enhance our capabilities in high-throughput screening and automation for designing and engineering proteins with novel functions. Our mission is to invent, develop, and implement biomolecules and biocatalytic processes to advance our company's pipeline and our impact on the scientific community. We view protein engineering as a key enabler in modern drug discovery and development and are committed to developing novel methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering to improve human health.  We leverage high-throughput screening, analytical techniques, advanced automation, computational modeling, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel proteins.  The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, the incumbent will perform and troubleshoot biochemical assays and high-throughput protein-engineering experiments, while assisting in the design, implementation, optimization, and operation of laboratory automation workflows and instrumentation. Key responsibilities include:

• Perform biochemical assays and high-throughput experiments in protein engineering to produce high-quality, reproducible data.

• Assist in designing, implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting laboratory automation workflows, including liquid handlers, plate readers, and basic robotics.

• Operate and troubleshoot analytical and robotic instrumentation following established procedures.

• Design, modify, and refine laboratory techniques and analytical procedures to achieve experimental objectives; participate in method validation and testing of new approaches.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance experimental robustness, reproducibility, throughput, and data capture.

• Prepare and maintain accurate experimental documentation, protocols, and SOPs; contribute to data recording, data visualization, and reproducible analysis workflows.

• Contribute to the implementation of new equipment and technologies.

• Maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment by following and promoting laboratory safety, quality, and compliance practices.

• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers across the company to align experimental work with program objectives.

• Stay current with advancements in protein engineering, automation, and analytics to proactively improve operations and suggest enhancements.

Education Requirements:

• B.S. degree with 2+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.

Or

• M.S. or PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience with protein handling and biochemical, biophysical, and/or phenotypic protein characterization techniques (e.g., activity assays, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis spectrophotometry).

• Experience with high-throughput experimental techniques and laboratory automation platforms (e.g., liquid handlers, plate readers).

• Experience with analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and biochemical assay development.

• Experience in operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation and robotics;

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to generate reproducible experimental data and documentation.

• Effective collaboration and communication skills for multidisciplinary team settings.

• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality standards, and compliance.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with one or more of the following: next-generation sequencing, directed evolution, protein expression, microfluidics, or automation integration.