Staff / Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry

About this role

About Glyphic:

At Glyphic Biotechnologies, we plan to create the protein revolution for which scientists and researchers have been waiting. We are developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform that will transform life science discovery and usher in a new era of insights into human biology and disease. To date, we have raised >$80M from venture partners and non-dilutive grant funding to achieve our vision of next generation proteome sequencing.

What we are looking for in you

We are seeking a Senior or Staff Scientist, Bioconjugation to join our Chemistry team at a pivotal stage in assay development. Reporting to the Senior Director of Chemistry, you will be a hands-on expert who designs, develops, and executes bioconjugation strategies for peptide and oligonucleotide components that are central to our single-molecule proteome sequencing assay.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in protein and peptide bioconjugation, site-specific chemical modification of amino acid sidechains, and oligonucleotide-biomolecule conjugation, with a track record of working in complex, multi-component systems (e.g., ADCs, therapeutic bioconjugates, or new bioconjugated components for assays). A successful candidate will have an innovative method-development mindset and will effectively build new approaches to making bioconjugates. This individual will thrive in a cross-functional environment where chemical solutions must be tightly integrated into assay design.

This role offers the unique opportunity to develop first-in-class conjugation chemistry that enables single-molecule protein sequencing.

This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.

What you’ll do

Bioconjugation strategies:

• Partner with sample prep and assay development to screen and select conjugation chemistries for peptides and oligonucleotides that enable single molecule protein sequencing

• Design bioconjugation workflows using NHS-ester chemistry, maleimides, isothiocyanate chemistry, and click chemistry (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA)

• Prepare bioconjugation reagents to enable studies from proof-of-concept through prototype-kitting.

Peptide chemistry:

• Develop labeling strategies based on Edman Chemistry

• Develop and apply selective C-terminal and N-terminal conjugation chemistries

• Develop site-specific labeling strategies for amino acid sidechains (Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, His, Asp/Glu) on native peptides. Screen protecting groups to enhance amino acid signal in the protein sequencing assay

• Enable on-bead workflow to label and release peptides for interrogation in the sequencing assay

Synthesize, characterize, and scale:

• Synthesize and purify peptide and oligonucleotide conjugates for assay testing

• Characterize conjugation efficiency, purity, and stability using tools such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, CE, UV/Vis, and FTIR

• Scale conjugate synthesis from R&D quantities to prototype-grade supply for internal testing, with attention to reproducibility, shelf-life, and fit-for-purpose quality

Collaborate and document:

• Work cross-functionally with sample preparation, assay integration, and reagent manufacturing teams to troubleshoot conjugation failures and optimize workflows

• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures

• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in Confluence and laboratory notebooks; author and maintain SOPs for new conjugation methods

What you need

Required:

• MS or PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field

• Industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry, with demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, and troubleshoot conjugation workflows

• MS/PhD with 8+/6+ years of experience (for Staff Scientist)

• MS/PhD with 6+/4+ years of experience (for Senior Scientist)

• Deep expertise in protein and/or peptide bioconjugation: NHS esters, maleimides, click chemistries (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA), isothiocyanate coupling, and related bioorthogonal approaches

• Experience with site-specific amino acid sidechain chemistry beyond maleimide chemistry (e.g. Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, Asp/Glu) for application in multistep workflows

• Track record developing novel blocking groups and conducting SAR studies to optimize blocking group performance and selectivity

• Proficiency in analytical characterization: HPLC method development, LC-MS/MS for conjugate analysis, UV/Vis, and CE

• Method-development mindset: history of building and adapting new chemical approaches rather than executing established protocols

• Demonstrated ability to function as an independent contributor and collaborative partner in a cross-functional team setting

Nice to have:

• Hands-on experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), including protecting group strategies beyond standard Fmoc/Boc and selective on-resin modifications

• Experience with peptide C-terminal chemistry manipulation methods: thioester formation, native chemical ligation, or photoredox/iridium-catalyzed C-terminal labeling

• Familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry and oligo-conjugation techniques (ITC, phosphoramidite modifications, click coupling to nucleic acids)

• Experience with scalable surface chemistry methods for flow cells or solid-phase supports

• Familiarity with statistical and DOE-based experimental design for chemistry optimization

• Prior experience in an early-stage biotech or tools/diagnostics company

We’re looking for a teammate that:

• Navigates complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.

• Operates with adaptability, urgency, and flexibility in evolving environments, thriving in ambiguity.

• Drives work forward without needing to be asked, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks.

• Treats obstacles as problems to be creatively solved, not reasons something can’t be done.

• Applies sound judgment to the best…