At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with experts to design and evaluate protein problems using AI.
- Company: Leading AI lab focused on innovative protein design solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hours, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 15-30 hours over 2-4 weeks with potential for expansion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in protein design while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in protein design or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 150 - 220 £ per hour.
About the role
We're partnering with a leading AI lab to evaluate how a frontier model performs on long-horizon protein‑design problems. We're running a small, hands‑on project with senior protein‑design experts to author and evaluate well‑scoped design problems — and to iterate live with our team to shape what good looks like.
What you'll do
- Brainstorm 2–3 candidate problem ideas (rough descriptions, ~1 page each).
- Iterate with us until we align on a task structure.
- Write up the chosen problem: target/inputs, allowed tools and information sources, what success looks like, and — most importantly — how you'd evaluate the model's design decisions and reasoning along the way.
- Review the model's trajectories (likely 5–20 per problem) and grade design choices + reasoning quality at each step.
Critical fit criteria (please address these in your application)
- You’re a working protein‑design expert (binder design, FEP/ddG, enzyme engineering, structure‑guided med chem, etc.) — PhD or equivalent industry track record.
- You can showcase this expertise from many different angles. Materials Science, Computer Science, Biophysics, Force Field Chemists. If you work downstream or upstream from protein structures and have the expertise, please apply!
- You can pose a long‑horizon design problem whose optimal answer you don’t know but where you’re still confident judging whether a given trajectory is sound.
- You’re comfortable evaluating reasoning quality, not just final outputs. Including cases where the model has full internet/tool access or a constrained toolset.
- You can iterate quickly (multi‑day turnaround on drafts) for ~2 weeks.
Time commitment
~15–30 hours over 2–4 weeks (problem authoring + iteration + trajectory grading). There is potential for expansion.
Compensation
$150–220/hr. We want experts who’ve shipped molecules, maintained or contributed to widely‑used tooling, and/or made an impact on the field.
Structural Biologist - Protein Design employer: Obsidian
Join a pioneering team at the forefront of AI and protein design, where your expertise will directly influence groundbreaking projects. We foster a collaborative and innovative work culture that values your insights and encourages rapid iteration, providing you with unique opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment. With competitive compensation and the chance to work alongside leading experts in the field, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding experience in a cutting-edge location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Biologist - Protein Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the protein design field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. Bring examples of your work that highlight your skills in protein design and evaluation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. You never know, they might have something perfect for you in the pipeline!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to protein design and model evaluation. Think about how you would approach long-horizon problems and be ready to discuss your thought process. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Biologist - Protein Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your experience in protein design and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas are easy to follow. Remember, we’re looking for well-scoped problem descriptions, so get to the point!
Iterate with Us:Don’t be afraid to express your willingness to collaborate and iterate on ideas. We value teamwork, so mentioning your openness to feedback and quick turnarounds will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsidian
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your protein design knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with binder design, enzyme engineering, or any relevant projects. We want to see that you can showcase your expertise from various angles!
✨Prepare Problem Ideas
Since you'll be brainstorming candidate problem ideas, come prepared with 2-3 rough descriptions. Think about what makes a good long-horizon design problem and how you'd structure it. We love seeing creativity and clarity in your thought process!
✨Show Your Evaluation Skills
Be ready to talk about how you evaluate design choices and reasoning quality. We’re interested in your approach to assessing model trajectories, so think of examples where you've judged the soundness of a design decision. This will show us you can think critically!
✨Be Ready to Iterate
The role involves quick turnarounds on drafts, so demonstrate your ability to iterate efficiently. Share any experiences where you had to refine your work under tight deadlines. We appreciate candidates who can adapt and improve their ideas rapidly!
