Protein Scientist 

Full Time/Exempt

$85k - $125k dependent on education and experience

About this role: 

As a Protein Scientist, you will work with scientists from diverse disciplines to plan projects and share your knowledge. You have expertise in protein chemistry, extraction, separation, purification, and/or characterization and you thrive in environments begging you to troubleshoot. You’re excited to develop a powerhouse of high-throughput assays and execute impactful experiments. This is an in-person role in Berkeley, California.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute assays for the characterization protein functionality
• Propose and test food-safe approaches to expand the range of protein functionality 
• Develop, validate, and run high-throughput assays
• Collaborate with R&D and Product development teams to deliver prototypes
• Collaborate with data scientists and develop data for data science pipelines 
• Work closely with Product and Business teams to understand and improve the prototypes
• Provide strategic input for Climax’s mid- and long-term goals from a product development standpoint
• Provide colleagues with continuous feedback and data in their various specialization areas
• Organize and ensure the quality of the documentation necessary for protecting intellectual property.
• Keep informed on innovations in the field
• Lead and mentor more junior teammates

Education and Experience:

• Motivated and driven to improve the food system.
• Masters or PhD in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience working in a research laboratory
• Highly experienced with protein characterization and design of assays in a high-throughput environment
• Strong background in protein research and physical chemistry of biomolecules 
• Consistent track record and desire to work at the bench.
• Ability to gather, organize, and interpret complex experimental data.
• Strategic and conceptual thinking to help guide long term strategies
• Excellent problem solving skills and ability to think out of the box
• Strong communication and presentation skills for internal and external meetings
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and network (internally & externally)
• Abilities to work effectively with diverse and dynamic teams.
• Ability to handle ambiguity, including the evolving objectives and approaches of an innovative company

Bonus Skills: 

• Coding competency and a familiarity with Benchling, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, or similar data management tools. 

If you don’t check all of the boxes, but still think you’re the right fit for the role, let us know why. We understand that experience is acquired in many ways that may not come through on a CV. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter. We read them all. 

About the job:

Climax Foods is on a mission to revolutionize the way we eat. 

We’re bringing together the brightest minds from a broad range of scientific backgrounds to replace animals with more efficient ways of transforming plants into the foods we love. Using sophisticated data science and machine learning methods, we are unlocking the entire plant kingdom, reaching the pinnacle of taste, texture, and nutrition. 

Our team marries years of experience in inventing and productionizing cutting-edge machine learning and data science tools at companies like Google and SpaceX with operational excellence leading plant-based food companies from the early R&D stage to billion dollar valuations like Impossible Foods and JUST. 

Climax Foods is backed by mission-aligned investors who bring strategic value allowing us to scale quickly to meet the urgent need for a more sustainable and safe food system, without sacrificing the culturally rich experience of delicious food.

Working at Climax Foods: 

We believe in the power of data. Not only in how we are reinventing food, but also in how we work together, hire, and recruit. We put people first. The data is clear that a culture of belonging through inclusive and equitable policies, practices, and structures leads to the most innovative teams. We welcome applications from individuals from every unique background. We also believe that compensating fairly is critical to making our company sustainable, equitable, and inclusive. In addition to salary and benefits, you will also own equity in the company you are building.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) plan and company match!
• Premium medical and dental insurance
• Generous vacation and paid time-off policy
• Parent-friendly environment
• Lab and office facilities have been optimized for those with disabilities
• Free gym membership
• HQ in a bustling neighborhood and collaborative environment in Berkeley, CA

Other great benefits — all driven by our continuously evolving research on creating maximally inclusive, equitable, innovative, and thriving teams.