Scientist, Large Libraries

The role

You will develop novel high-throughput screening capabilities for protein-protein interactions. You will build assay pipelines and generate large-scale datasets to power the Cradle AI/ML platform.

What you will do

• Develop and optimize novel workflows for high-throughput protein-protein interaction library screening
• Build and optimize in vitro or cell-based assay pipelines
• Design, build, and execute molecular biology and biochemistry frameworks for library construction, screening, and data generation
• Establish robust and repeatable assays for ML model training
• Drive and lead projects from experimental design through data delivery
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, data quality, repeatability, and workflow efficiency
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to troubleshoot technical challenges
• Partner with the ML team to define data requirements and integrate experimental outputs
• Communicate results, insights, and technical challenges effectively
• Contribute to shaping the scientific direction of the Large Libraries team

Required qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, synthetic biology, bioengineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated creativity in method development
• Excitement to learn, contribute, and drive innovation in an early stage startup environment
• Ability to be comfortable with ambiguity and a fast paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to run multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to ensure process steps are documented and physical/digital data are organized

Nice to have

• Large-scale DNA library construction methodologies (>10^6 variants)
• Display platforms (yeast, phage, mRNA, ribosome display, or mammalian display)
• Flow cytometry and FACS
• Familiarity with binding kinetic measurement techniques (SPR, BLI, ELISA, etc.)
• Next-generation sequencing library preparation, QC, and bioinformatic analysis tools (Illumina, Nanopore, PacBio)
• Experience with statistically rigorous experimental design and data quality assessment
• High-throughput data analysis or familiarity with scripting languages (Python, R)
• Classical high-throughput laboratory automation (robotic liquid handlers, plate readers, colony pickers)

Benefits

• competitive salary
• generous equity stake
• wide range of benefits
• career progression opportunities

About the company

Cradle offers a software platform for AI-guided discovery and optimization of proteins. The team consists of just under 100 people distributed across Amsterdam, Boston, and Zurich.