Scientist I/II, Protein Design

Key Skills

Java Programming, Python Programming, C++, C Programming, SQL, Cloud computing, Scala Programming, Machine learning techniques, Data science techniques, MATLAB Programming, PyTorch, TensorFlow, R Programming

Job Description

Tessera is seeking a talented, creative, and self-motivated Protein Design Scientist to join our expanding Data Sciences team. This scientist will use computational protein modeling and design methods to support the discovery and engineering of novel gene editing technologies. This individual will also work closely with computational and bench scientists to develop and apply protein engineering strategies enabled by machine learning and deep neural networks. The position requires a strong foundation in computational biophysics and structure-based protein design. This role will contribute scientific and technical expertise to a multidisciplinary team, emphasizing conceptualization, experimentation, data analysis, presentation, and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and apply protein modeling and design strategies to advance Tessera's Gene Writing platform.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to devise, train, refine, and deploy deep neural network models using public and proprietary sequence, structure, and function data.
• Collaborate closely with experimental scientists to realize protein designs, collect and analyze data, and build mechanistic intuition and biochemical understanding.
• Drive external collaborations where necessary to augment internal capabilities.
• Present scientific findings to broad audiences including senior leadership to drive decision making in program teams.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Computational Chemistry, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience (including PhD work) in applying computational or machine learning methods to model and engineer proteins.
• Strong foundation in computational biophysics and structure-based protein design.
• Fluency in one or more programming languages, especially Python.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, ability to work with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in machine learning, especially in deep neural network models of protein evolution, structure, or function.
• Track record of success working in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and rapidly growing organization.
• Familiarity with laboratory protein engineering techniques, including library design and construction.
• Experience with recent advances in gene therapy and development of gene editing platforms as therapeutics.
• Experience in virology or mobile genetic elements a plus.