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Breakthrough Energy Ventures Portfolio Company Career Opportunities

Scientist I - III, Screening + Selection

ArkeaBio

ArkeaBio

Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
Posted on May 11, 2024

Overview

ArkeaBio is a pioneer in developing technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. Backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, ArkeaBio is using innovative vaccine technologies to create solutions to reduce the on-farm methane emissions responsible for 6% of global GHG emissions. ArkeaBio technology will be integrated into proven delivery systems and farming practices to safely reduce global methane emissions from multiple ruminant species across a variety of geographies and agronomic systems.

Job Summary

We are looking for candidates who are driven to help shape the company and are excited to support our mission.

Description

Reporting to the Head of Screening + Selection, the Scientist (I - III), Screening + Selection is responsible for supporting ArkeaBio's vaccine development pipeline with a strong focus on developing antigen screening and validation technologies, including in vitro and high throughput methodologies, and employing those methodologies to identify high value antigens for further testing.

Key Responsibilities

The Scientist (I - III), Screening + Selection requires a passionate, learning focused individual that can synthesize literature, data, and results into hypothesis-driven research directions and then execute on deliverables in support of those research directions. They are someone who can work collaboratively within a team as well as develop and deliver on research plans in support of ArkeaBio's vaccine development pipeline. A successful Scientist (I - III), Screening + Selection will perform the following:

  • Develop antigen screening and validation technologies, including in vitro and high throughput methodologies, and employing those methodologies to identify high value antigens for further testing
    • Characterize outputs from selections, for example with respect to binding affinities
    • Further engineer antigen hits for improved characteristics
  • Collaborate with the Computational Biology team to design libraries and analyze outputs from library enrichments
  • Support all aspects of the vaccine development pipeline including
    • culturing anaerobic microorganisms from the rumen in monoculture and/or co-culture as needed to support research efforts
    • developing and implementing screening processes for vaccine validation both in vitro and in vivo
  • Develop a deep understanding of rumen anaerobe microbiology + biochemistry
  • Maintain detailed and organized written records in accordance with regulatory needs
  • Communicate experimental progress as verbal presentations and written status updates to relevant stakeholders
  • Prepare and present scientific findings to the organization in support of vaccine candidate advancement into clinical development
  • Stay up to date on emerging selection technologies

Qualifications / Skills

  • A PhD in the biological sciences, or equivalent work experience as a Scientist, with specific expertise with high throughput screening technologies
  • Experience with flow cytometry or fluorescence activated cell sorting is strongly preferred, experience with alternate selective technologies is a plus
  • Experience monitoring and characterizing selective outputs is required
  • Experience with protein binding assays or protein display technologies is a plus
  • A driven individual who has a demonstrated track record of proactively identifying problems and driving to timely, innovative solutions to overcome challenging biological problems
  • Strong scientific focus with extensive knowledge of the scientific literature in the field
  • Ability to effectively manage and deliver on research projects
  • Ability to manage external vendors
  • Excellent communication skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills; ability to communicate findings and knowledge across the organization
  • Exceptional analytical, documentation, customer service, problem-solving, and reporting skills
  • Self-starter with a proven commitment to excellence
  • Comfortable working on fast-paced, combined local and remote teams
  • Proficiency with at least one programming language, e.g., python, R, etc. is a plus
  • Curiosity with a passion for learning
  • Exhibit flexibility and willingness to work closely with members of the technical team

ArkeaBio is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its practices, especially when it comes to growing our team. Our culture promotes inclusion and embraces the personal and organizational benefits of working with people from all walks of life.

It is the policy of ArkeaBio to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants.

ArkeaBio offers 100% paid health, vision, dental and life insurance, up to a 4% matching contribution to a 401(K) retirement account and flexible time off.

ArkeaBio has a 13,000 square foot lab in Charlestown, MA, and offers a flexible work environment.