Pumpkinseed

Details

Positions: Research Associate: Biochemistry, organic chemistry, instrumentation, optics, or bioinformatics positions available
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Innovation Area: Energy, Food, and Water Nexus; Energy Management and Efficiency
Position Type: TomKat Center-supported
Compensation: $8,500
Internship Term: 8 weeks

Apply Here

We are enabling life-speed reads of biological bits. We’re merging the power of silicon photonics and AI with state-of-the-art biochemistry for high-resolution protein sequencing. Genomics and transcriptomics have revolutionized how we diagnose and treat disease – but it’s only part of the solution. Unraveling the proteome - and characterizing the breadth and dynamics of proteoforms - is critical to address many of the biggest challenges for personal, population, and ecosystem health.

Rather than relying on sample amplification or fluorescent tags, we amplify light - and how light interacts in unique ways with each protein. Our method provides high resolution and quantitative insight into proteins, including their sequence, post-translational modification, structure, and interactions. We strive to enable proactive solutions, rather than reactive and crisis-based approaches – informing when to start treatment, which treatment is best, and how to design new therapies and vaccines.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and interdisciplinary environment. You will become part of an innovative and diverse team of biologists, chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and data scientists, with expertise spanning quantitative biology, nanoscience, photonics, and machine learning. Our out-of-the-box approach allows us to tackle some of the most challenging, yet impactful, problems in biology, medicine, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

prepare chips for analysis of proteins
develop software algorithms/pipelines for data analytics and ML
advance integration of high-throughput sequencing instruments

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants at any stage in their career who are passionate about health and environmental sustainability, enthusiastic to work on a multidisciplinary project and team, and eager to learn new skills. The intern will be joining a small but vibrant team and will have the opportunity to help define the company culture.

Required Expertise

Familiarity with optical spectroscopy and microscopy
Familiarity with Matlab or Python
Familiarity with basic biochemistry a plus, but not required

Preferred Skills/Majors