Scientist-Principal Scientist, Protein Design & Structure
Superluminal Medicines
Design
Boston, MA, USA
About Superluminal Medicines:
Superluminal Medicines is a generative biology and chemistry company revolutionizing the speed and accuracy of how small molecule medicines are created. The Company’s platform aims to create candidate-ready compounds with unprecedented speed using a combination of deep biology, computational and medicinal chemistry, machine learning, and proprietary big data infrastructure. We are expanding the team of talented scientists who seek to build the future of small molecule drug discovery with creativity and innovation.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly innovative and experienced Scientist/Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist to lead GPCR protein engineering and production efforts. The successful candidate will be a subject matter expert (SME) in membrane protein biochemistry, responsible for developing and implementing strategies to express, purify, and characterize challenging G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to support structural biology, biophysics, and drug discovery programs. This role involves hands-on laboratory work and scientific leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Protein Engineering Strategy: Design, execute, and optimize constructs for GPCR expression.
- Expression & Purification: Drive the development of high-throughput protein expression (mammalian/insect cells) and purification workflows, ensuring high-quality, homogeneous protein for assays and structural studies (Cryo-EM).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with pharmacology, structural biology, and medicinal chemistry teams to support drug discovery projects and advance programs from hit-to-lead and lead optimization.
- Technical Leadership: Serve as a SME on GPCR protein sciences in internal and external project teams; evaluate and implement new technologies.
- Scientific Documentation & Communication: Document experiments in ELN, present data at internal/external meetings, and publish research findings.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related field with 2+ years (Scientist), 5+ years (Senior Scientist), or 8+ years (Principal Scientist) of relevant experience; or a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field with commensurate industry experience.
- Deep knowledge of GPCR biology and membrane protein structure-function relationships.
- Proven expertise in molecular biology (cloning, construct design, mutagenesis).
- Hands-on experience in protein purification of GPCRs using FPLC (affinity, SEC).
- Familiarity with protein stabilization techniques (e.g., antibody fragments, fusion partners, mutagenesis).
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with structural biology methods (data collection and processing for Cryo-EM).
- Experience in laboratory automation in protein sciences & purification.
- Background in computational protein design tools (e.g., Rosetta, AI/ML-driven prediction).
Benefits:
Superluminal offers a comprehensive benefits package that fully covers employees’ annual deductibles and monthly premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance. The package also includes a 401(k) match program, a Massachusetts transportation subsidy, equity, unlimited paid time off, and both disability and life insurance.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Superluminal Medicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status.