Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist

About Pylum Biosciences

Pylum Biosciences is a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of precision antibacterials. Our proprietary Avidocin™ protein platform are engineered bacteriocins — highly targeted, proteinaceous killing machines that eliminate specific bacterial pathogens without disrupting the surrounding microbiome.

We are building a focused, high-impact team to advance Avidocin programs targeting serious human pathogens, including C. difficile, and drug-resistant and oncology-associated bacterial species.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Senior Research Associate/ Associate Scientist to join our team. This individual will play a central role in the expression, purification, and characterization of our complex, multi-subunit bacteriocin protein assemblies. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively to support both early-stage discovery and the transition of protein candidates toward preclinical development.

The level of appointment will be commensurate with experience and demonstrated independence.

What You'll Do

• Design, execute, and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows in bacterial (E. coli, B, subtilis) expression systems relevant to our platform
• Develop and refine scalable purification strategies for complex, multi-subunit protein assemblies
• Perform thorough biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified proteins using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and microbiological activity-based assays
• Troubleshoot expression, solubility, and stability challenges; propose and implement creative solutions
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN)
• Contribute to the preparation of internal reports, presentations, and manuscripts
• Support equipment qualification, reagent inventory management, and lab operations as needed

What We're Looking For

Required:

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, Microbiology, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 3 years (SRA) or 5 years (Associate Scientist) of hands-on protein production experience in an industry or academic research setting
• Proven expertise in recombinant protein expression in E. coli and/or B. subtilis, including construct design, fermentation at bench and/or bioreactor scale, and cell lysis strategies
• Experience with standard protein characterization methods: SDS-PAGE, Western blot
• Strong working knowledge of chromatography-based protein purification (FPLC/ÄKTA), with experience adapting purification methods for novel or difficult proteins
• Solid microbiology background including experience working with bacterial cultures, aseptic/sterile technique, and BSL-2 laboratory practices
• Demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot experiments independently and propose data-driven next steps
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to rigorous scientific documentation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative approach to working in a small-team environment

Preferred:

• Experience working with large, multi-subunit protein complexes, phage-derived proteins, bacteriocins, or similarly challenging assemblies
• Experience working in anaerobic chamber with strict anaerobic bacterial species
• Industry experience in early-stage biotech or drug development

Why Join Pylum

• Be part of a small, science-first team where your contributions have direct and visible impact on program advancement
• Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience
• Opportunity to grow with the company as programs advance toward the clinic

Pay: $88,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person