Research Scientist, Protein Design & Engineering

Overview

Dayhoff Labs is seeking a Research Scientist in Protein Design and Engineering to join the team on a full-time, on-site basis in Cambridge, MA. The organization focuses on reverse-engineering the origin of life using artificial intelligence to unlock applications in catalysis, green synthesis, synthetic biology, and programmable matter. In this hands-on laboratory position, the scientist will work closely with computational and machine learning teams to engineer proteins for useful chemistry, combining enzyme discovery, directed evolution, and experimental characterization.

Requirements

Applicants must have a proven track record of improving protein or enzyme function through directed evolution or rational engineering. Candidates are required to have practical fluency in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, library construction, mutagenesis, and recombinant protein expression. The role demands experience in developing and troubleshooting enzyme assays and screening workflows with proper controls and validation. Additionally, applicants should possess a solid understanding of enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and structure-function relationships, along with experience independently advancing projects through multiple design, build, and test cycles.