Protein Engineering — Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director / Director

Protein Engineering — Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director / Director

Location : Seattle, WA (onsite)

Company : Breakwater Therapeutics (stealth mode)

About the Company

We’re an early-stage venture-backed biotech operating in stealth mode, and we are focused on mAb-based therapeutics. We’re building a nimble team that thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly from idea to experiment, and collaborates closely across science and operations to inform decision-making.

The Opportunity

This is a foundational, first-in-lab hire. You’ll help stand up our internal lab—procure and commission equipment, establish day-to-day workflows, and set the bar for scientific rigor, safety, and documentation—while running critical protein production, characterization, and developability workstreams that de-risk and accelerate our programs.

What You’ll Do

Build and run the lab

• Stand up the lab (BSL-2 environment), including instrument selection / commissioning, qualification, preventive maintenance, inventory, ELN / LIMS, and safety / compliance workflows.
• Own day-to-day operations (ordering / receiving, vendor coordination, facilities interface, waste streams, calibrations).

Protein production & purification

Binding & comparability

Developability triage

Formulation scouting

Collaboration & communication

Mentorship

What You’ll Bring

Minimum qualifications

Preferred qualifications

Traits for success

Tools & Environment (representative)

Title & Level

Level open : we anticipate hiring between Senior Principal Scientist and Director ; exceptional Scientist / Senior Scientist candidates will also be considered.

Why Join Us

Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity. We’re committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.

How to Apply : Please send your CV and a brief note highlighting relevant hands-on experience with CHO-based expression, binding assays (ELISA / BLI), and developability screening.