Scientist I, Enzyme Catalysis

Summary  

Debut Biotechnology is seeking a creative and talented Scientist I to develop enzymatic processes and engineer enzymes. This individual will design enzymatic routes for the production of target molecules, and then build those routes by discovering and engineering novel enzymes. This work will encompass designing and optimizing cell-free enzymatic processes, as well as creating enzymes for multi-step pathways in microbial strains. The Scientist will work collaboratively with other team members and with functional groups across Debut R&D.  

Essential Functions

• Ability to design insightful experiments, execute robust experimental workflows, and interpret complex data.   
• Write technical documents, including detailed lab notebooks, standard operating procedures, and regular research update presentations.  
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enjoy taking on complex challenges.  
• Excellent collaborative and communication skills, and ability to excel in a team environment. 
• This position is fully on-site in San Diego, and is centered on work in the laboratory. 

Education and Experience 

• PhD, OR MS with 6 years experience, OR BS with 8 years experience in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related disciplines  
• Broad biochemistry technical knowledge, including but not limited to DNA manipulation, protein expression and purification, enzyme activity assays, and knowledge of cellular pathways.  
• Experience in several of the following areas: design of enzymatic activity assays, protein engineering, process development, high-throughput screening workflows and automation, enzyme discovery, biocatalytic retrosynthesis, bioinformatics, and computational protein design.  
• Experience developing cell-free or fermentation processes is welcomed.  

Essential Physical Characteristics 

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.  

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.   
• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.   
• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.  
• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.  
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2) and chemicals.  
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.  
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.  

Condition of Employment 

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. 

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000