Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. We harness light to produce everyday essentials more efficiently, from food and lifesaving drugs to novel biosolutions. Our first-of-its-kind photomolecular biology platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology unlocks dynamic control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and sustainability advantages across pharmaceuticals, nutritional and therapeutic proteins, cellular agriculture, and more. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.

Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.

About This Job

We’re looking for a scientist with experience in the development and/or application of optogenetic tools to control processes in mammalian cells. The scientist will be part of the optogenetics team and work closely with members from the synthetic biology, bioprocess development, hardware and modeling team to revolutionize biomanufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement novel optogenetic systems in mammalian cells to control cellular processes such as gene expression or cell signaling
• Develop strategies for multiplexed control of optogenetic systems
• Design and clone genetic constructs for optogenetic systems
• Stable integration of optogenetic systems into mammalian cells
• Comprehensive characterization of engineered optogenetic systems
• Close collaboration with members within the optogenetics team and with members from synthetic biology, bioprocess development, hardware and modeling teams
• Analysis, documentation, and presentation of experimental data
• Contribution to expanding the intellectual property (IP) portfolio
  
  
  

About You

• Experience in the development and/or application of optogenetic tools to control processes in mammalian cells.
• Experience with light-inducible gene expression systems is an advantage
• Experience with different photoreceptors is desirable
• PhD in synthetic biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or another relevant discipline.
• Postdoctoral experience in industry or academia is a plus
• Experience with state-of-the-art engineering techniques of mammalian cells
• Experience with mammalian suspension cells (e.g. CHO, HEK) including bioreactors is an advantage
• Enjoy both leading and carrying out independent projects and experimental work
• Excited about working with interdisciplinary teamsHave strong communication skills
• Eager to work in a high-growth, fast-paced, and dynamic startup environment
• Comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is known to create innovative solutions
  
  
  

Diversity: We value diverse people, perspectives, and knowledge. To this end, we aim to foster a sense of belonging that enables everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work everyday. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team that encompasses all types of people. We believe this can only be achieved by acknowledging the ancestral, historic, and current systemic and communal inequities.

Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

Benefits: Outstanding Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (including full spouse coverage), at least one all-expense-paid team holiday per year, flexibility in schedule and unlimited vacation days. Free lunch every day!