Director, Protein Engineering and Optimization

We are seeking a Director to lead our Protein Engineering and Optimization team. This position reports to the Vice President of Discovery and will play a crucial role in accelerating protein engineering projects to design and optimize novel genome editing systems. You will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact as you partner with the rest of the Metagenomi team to develop novel gene editing tools for human therapeutic development. This role is based in Emeryville, California.

In this role, you will lead a team of protein engineers to design and execute projects aimed at improving genome editing system activity, specificity, and applicability. To achieve this, you will:

• Work with leadership to expand protein engineering capabilities and strategies in a fast-paced startup environment
• Collaborate with Computational Biology and Automation teams to optimize new systems based on rational design, directed evolution, and AI
• Guide the development of selection methods and high throughput screening assays
• Prepare accurate and timely data summaries, contribute to the writing of reports, patents, and manuscripts, and present findings to key stakeholders and at external meetings
• Foster an inclusive, curious, and mission-driven culture of innovation.

• Ph.D. in protein engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related discipline
• At least ten years of closely related protein engineering industry experience, with at least five years of experience managing teams and cross-functional projects 
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques, deep mutational scanning, directed evolution, reporter assay design, structure-guided protein design, and both long- and short-read high-throughput sequencing
• Experience engineering CRISPR and other systems for gene editing
• Experience with mammalian cell transfection and lentiviral transduction
• Experience with protein expression and purification
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly when collaborating with other teams with limited knowledge of your area of expertise
• Track record of growing and promoting scientists both with respect to their technical and professional development
• Highly collaborative, team-oriented, and considerate of the needs of others
• Extremely organized and able to efficiently manage your time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing both long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities.

The anticipated base salary range for this position will be $195,000 to $230,000 depending on the exact level of the role. As this role is open to candidates with a wide range of skills and experience, the salary will be dependent on the specific level of the position. We value transparency and will make every effort to provide you with a succinct explanation of how the final salary within this range is determined.

Please note, all candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.