Senior Scientist & Program Lead
Pear VC · San Francisco
Senior Scientist & Program Lead | Enzymology
What We’re Building
Velocity Bio is a venture-backed startup spun out of Stanford University combining cutting-edge microfluidics with AI to accelerate discovery of next-generation therapeutics. We are building the world’s largest dataset of high-fidelity enzyme function to train AI models for allosteric drug discovery and accurate enzyme function prediction.
Recently, Velocity partnered with the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington, Argonne National Laboratory, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on a Department of Energy Genesis Mission project to harness AI for breakthrough enzyme design. With our partners, we’re building the missing, massive quantitative datasets of activity and structure for computationally-designed enzymes needed to unlock next-generation AI models to design enzymes de novo with unprecedented fidelity.
Your Impact
In this role, you’ll work closely with the founding team on our mission to unlock AI models for allosteric drug discovery and accurate enzyme function prediction. To do this, you’ll scale large-scale, high-fidelity enzyme function datasets, develop novel in vitro enzyme assays on our proprietary microfluidic platform, and manage external collaborations. This role will combine hands-on wet-bench biochemistry, data generation and analysis on Velocity’s high-throughput platform, as well as leadership by managing internal and external projects. As an early hire, you’ll have significant opportunity to work with the founding team and shape the scientific direction and culture of Velocity.
This Role Will Involve
Designing, performing, and analyzing high-throughput enzyme assays on Velocity’s platform
Designing and managing large-scale internal/external data generation campaigns
Developing new high-throughput classical quantitative biochemical assays
Working closely with AI/ML engineers to guide model development and evaluations
Shaping Velocity’s scientific roadmap alongside the founding team
Required Qualifications
PhD in life sciences (Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, or Structural Biology preferred)
3+ years of relevant industry experience
Expertise in enzymology and in vitro functional assays
Deep understanding of protein structure and function
Fluent in common molecular biology techniques (construct design, cloning, DNA and protein purification, etc.)
Fluent in Python programming
Ability to move quickly between strategic planning and hands-on execution
Exceptional scientific rigor and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading large-scale internal/external projects
Hands-on experience performing other protein biophysical assays characterizing stability, binding, etc.
Experience performing recombinant protein expression and purification
Experience with NGS workflows
This position might be a good fit if you…
Are passionate about working on problems with huge potential to improve human health
Enjoy rigorous science and designing and performing complex biophysical experiments
Are excited to shape an early startup and influence how we work and what we build
Are highly organized and a self-directed learner
Want to join a fast-paced, collaborative environment in the heart of the Bay Area
Benefits
Competitive salary and equity
Full health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan
Location
In-person; MBC BioLabs in San Carlos, CA
On-site parking available
10-minute walk from a Caltrain station