Our client, a growing contract research organization in Indianapolis specializing in early drug discovery services, is seeking an experienced Director of Protein Structure Research to join their team.
About Our Client
Our client is a specialized contract research organization founded in 2018 that provides comprehensive early drug discovery services to the biopharmaceutical industry. Their service offerings include chemical and structural analysis, protein production, computational modeling, and design, with core expertise in X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM techniques.
Role Overview
As Head of Structural Biology, you will lead, manage, and support the scientific team while planning and tracking multiple projects to ensure high-quality deliverables for client projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in people and project management along with deep scientific expertise in protein biochemistry and structural biology.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the scientific team, providing technical guidance, support, and mentorship
- Plan, track, and oversee multiple concurrent client projects to ensure successful outcomes
- Develop and implement protein expression and purification strategies across various systems
- Conduct biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of proteins
- Communicate research priorities, progress, and results to clients and management
- Provide timely project updates to clients
- Perform necessary bench work to support project success when required
Desired Scientific Expertise
- Extensive experience with protein production across multiple expression systems (bacterial, insect, mammalian, and yeast)
- Proficiency in biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of proteins
- Extensive experience in protein crystallization and structure determination
- Skills in cryo-EM grid preparation, data collection, and processing
- Ability to develop experimental strategies (biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational) tailored to client needs
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, protein engineering, and/or structural biology
- 3-7 years of industry experience post-Ph.D. (academic postdoc experience not counted)
- Demonstrated experience in people and project management
- Expertise in construct design for structural/biophysical studies
- Strong knowledge of protein expression and purification using various cell lines
- Proven experience in structural biology techniques including X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Location and Work Arrangement
This position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and requires full on-site presence (no hybrid option available).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift objects up to 30 lbs
- Capability to visualize microscopic objects under microscopes
- Adherence to lab safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment
- Willingness to occasionally work flexible hours for time-sensitive experiments
Benefits
- Relocation assistance available
- Competitive salary plus bonus potential
- Generous paid time off
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-provided computer
Our client is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.