Medra · 1 month ago
Lead Scientist, Protein Engineering
San Francisco
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
3+ years expMedraai is building a Physical AI Scientist platform that operates scientific instruments with human-level dexterity. The Lead Scientist will drive the scientific backbone of this platform, focusing on antibody and protein engineering while collaborating with engineers to establish robust systems for biologics R&D.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)BioinformaticsSoftware
Responsibilities
Work with our internal engineering team to design and launch Medra Labs 1
Define and set-up the workflow for end-to-end antibody and protein engineering, including liaising with vendors & suppliers, setting up instruments, testing hardware / software prototypes, and final integration into robust, production-grade systems
Develop fit-for-purpose assays to evaluate binding, specificity, potency, and developability (e.g., SPR/BLI, ELISA, cell-based assays, stability screens)
Design and execute iterative experimental campaigns that balance speed, rigor, and scalability
Troubleshoot complex experimental challenges and set best practices for reproducible, high-quality data generation
Drive the creative process to uncover novel opportunities in instrumentation, workflow design, and system integrations
Work closely with customers to deeply understand their science, define scientific goals and requirements, outline a fully-automated experimental plan, and run experiments
Provide technical leadership in antibody/protein engineering across internal teams and external partners
Contribute to scientific strategy, mentoring, and the evolution of Medra’s Physical AI platform
Qualification
Required
PhD in Bio/Biological Engineering, Biological Sciences, Protein Engineering, Biophysics, Chemistry/Biochemistry, or a related field
3+ years of direct hands-on experience with the design and characterization of antibody and protein therapeutics, including cloning, expression, purification, analytics, and quality control. Experience with at least one advanced modality (beyond monoclonals) is preferred
Experience with binding and developability assays such as SPR/BLI, ELISA, flow cytometry, stability, etc., as well as the relevant instruments for each
Proven ability to design clear experimental plans, think strategically, solve complex problems creatively, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including scientists and senior executives
Entrepreneurial drive and a desire to have broad ownership, operating with significant autonomy in a highly ambiguous and rapidly changing environment, akin to a startup CSO
A willingness to wear many hats / a flexible attitude towards responsibilities and scope
Preferred
Experience with at least one advanced modality (beyond monoclonals)
Bonus points if you have experience working with available AI models for protein generation and prediction
Benefits
401k
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Relocation benefits
Unlimited PTO
Weekday dinners
Company
Medra
We're building Physical AI for the lab to unlock scientific breakthroughs
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Medra has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (3)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$63MKey Investors
Human CapitalPharmStars
2025-12-11Series A· $52M
2025-09-11Pre Seed· $11M
2023-12-05Non Equity Assistance
Leadership Team
Michelle Lee
CEO
Recent News
alleywatch.com
2025-12-16
2025-12-11
2025-09-12
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