Member of Technical Staff, Biophysics / Biochemistry

Location: Daly City, California (onsite)About Decade Decade is an Applied AI Lab rethinking cancer therapy from first principles.

We are an elite team of AI scientists, cancer experts and synthetic biologists bringing together cutting-edge AI tools, high-throughput data generation, drug design and a deep understanding of cancer biology. We believe in innovation, rigor, speed, agency and the patient perspective. Decade is well funded with a very strong investor consortium and leading academic advisors. The opportunityDecade is doing large-scale biophysical characterization of proteins to validate therapeutic candidates and to generate training data for Decade’s models. We are hiring a Biophysicist or Biochemist to help build out this capability. Near-term success is operationalizing protein expression and integrating key assays in the context of running programs. In the medium-term, success is deploying these protocols workflows for scalability and increasingly contributing to Decade’s therapeutic programs. In the long-term, you’ll be an early hire at an applied AI lab where progress is measured by our impact on cancer treatment.This is a hands-on lab role for someone who enjoys both running assays and thinking like an owner: troubleshooting what is not working, interpreting what the data means, and helping shape what should happen next.What you’ll doDevelop and expand in-house protein characterization: method development, execution, troubleshooting and interpretationBuild out the in-house assay suite — including analytical chromatography (SEC, HIC, RP), ELISA and related binding assays, thermal and colloidal stability — and take our highest-value assays off CRO timelinesContribute to protein production and purification workflows — including cell-free expression — that the characterization layer depends onDeliver characterization data our team can act on with confidence, including a clear and opinionated view of its precision and limitsImplement and own assays on our automation stack (Opentrons Flex, iDoT, etc.) — move methods from manual bench protocols to scripted, runs with the throughput and repeatability that informing our models demandsWork with the ML engineers so characterization data is generated and structured in a form that informs our design modelsSet the specification for CRO work that stays external, and hold partners to itWhat success looks likeIn the first few months, success in this role may look like:Bringing several priority assays online internallyReducing dependence on multi-week external turnaround timesImproving the quality and usefulness of characterization data for downstream teamsTroubleshooting fragile or misleading assay outputs quickly and effectivelyHelping the team improve scientific throughput as programs advanceWhat we’re looking forStrong hands-on experience in protein biophysical characterizationBreadth across multiple relevant assay types such as SEC, HIC, BLI/SPR, & ELISA-style methods, protein stability, or related workflowsExperience owning assays end to end, including optimization and troubleshootingAbility to interpret data and make sound scientific judgements.Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally in a small team with diverse technical backgrounds.Ability to ramp quickly and operate with a high level of independenceComfort working onsite in a lab-centered roleScientist-level wet lab experience (approx. BS + 6+ years of relevant experience, MS + 4+ years, PhD + 2+ years)Nice to havePrior experience in small or midsize biotechCell-free expression experienceExperience in automation-forward lab environmentsComputational fluency or comfort working around AI-enabled scientific toolsExperience coordinating or integrating CRO workWhy this role is compellingHigh degree of agency in solving hard problems in an energized environmentMeaningful scientific leverage on which molecules move forwardSmall-team environment where strong work is visible quicklyOpportunity to help build internal systems and assays, not just inherit a narrow execution laneMission-driven work in oncology with a high pace of learningCompany is well-fundedCompensation: $125,000–$130,000Candidates must be able to complete I-9 employment eligibility verification requirements, as mandated by U.S. law, to confirm their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Candidates must be permanently authorized to work in the United States. We do not provide immigration support or employment-based visas for this role. Relocation assistance is not offered.Decade Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.