Scientist, De Novo Discovery

The role

This scientist will contribute to the Helicon Discovery Platform through the development and application of mRNA display and phage display technologies. The role involves developing mRNA display libraries, leading screening campaigns, and innovating display screening workflows.

What you will do

• Design, construct, and produce diverse mRNA display libraries using molecular biology techniques.
• Expand chemical diversity of mRNA display libraries by incorporating noncanonical amino acids.
• Design and execute routine mRNA display and phage display high-throughput screening campaigns.
• Analyze next-generation sequencing data to identify enriched peptide motifs and assess sequence-activity relationships.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, workflows, and process improvements for the mRNA display platform.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including data science, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry.
• Stay current with relevant literature and emerging screening technologies.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• 1+ years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Strong foundation in chemical and molecular biology techniques, including orthogonal translation systems, cell-free protein synthesis, cloning, and DNA library construction.
• Ability to design and execute experiments independently, troubleshoot effectively, and interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with initiative, curiosity, and enthusiasm.

Nice to have

• Experience with reprogrammed translation systems and genetic-code expansion enabling site-specific incorporations of noncanonical amino acids into high-diversity peptide libraries.
• Direct hands-on experience with mRNA display, phage display, or a closely related cell-free display technology.
• Strong biochemistry background and familiarity with next-generation sequencing workflows and data analysis.

Benefits

• Annual target bonus
• Equity
• Comprehensive suite of competitive benefits

About the company

Parabilis Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating medicines for patients with serious diseases by unlocking biologically important targets. The company has pioneered a new class of alpha-helical peptides called Helicons™.