Helix BioStructures, LLC (HBS) is a contract research organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, providing early drug discovery services to the biopharmaceutical industry. HBS maintains a full suite of services that encompass chemical & structural analysis, protein production, computational modeling, and design. HBS’s core and most popular services are structural biology techniques, X-ray Crystallography, and Cryo-EM. HBS was founded in 2018 and has grown considerably. We are looking to add an experienced Head of Structural Biology to our Indianapolis-based team.

Main Responsibilities

This role will lead, manage, and support the Helix team, planning & tracking all projects to produce high-quality work and support our client’s protein production, biophysical characterization, and structural biology projects. A proven track record in managing people and projects with a deep understanding of protein construct design, expression, and purification of challenging proteins, biophysical characterization, and structural biology techniques is essential.

Highly desirable scientific knowledge and hands-on experiences include:

• Protein Production Across Multiple Systems: Extensive experience with protein production in various cell lines, including bacteria, insect, mammalian, and yeast. Expertise in optimizing expression and purification strategies for diverse and challenging proteins.

• Biophysical Characterization: Proficiency in biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of both over-expressed and purified proteins.

• Protein Crystallography: Extensive experience in crystallizing proteins and nucleic acids, with a deep understanding of structure solution and refinement.

• Cryo-EM: Skilled in Cryo-EM grid preparation, data collection, and processing, with experience in tackling complex and challenging projects.

• Leadership and Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects, teams, and employees effectively, ensuring alignment with business goals and successful project outcomes. Ability to mentor and develop team members, driving both individual and organizational growth.

In addition to expertise in protein biochemistry and structural biology, this role will provide a range of experimental strategies (biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational) to support our client’s needs. Accordingly, proficiency in protein production and structural biology is essential. The successful candidate will have a deep scientific understanding and can plan and lead the team and multiple projects in parallel. Overall, you will be an outstanding project and people leader who will significantly impact our gene-to-structure service portfolios with the unique opportunity to help drive our business.

Additional Responsibilities

• Create and manage necessary documents and communicate research priorities, progress, and results to clients/project teams and upper management.

• Provide the team with project details and priorities, technical and scientific guidance, deliverables, and timelines.

• The candidate will be responsible for managing the team and all projects, providing support, including necessary bench work for project success.

• The candidate will manage his/her direct reports and provide the support needed.

• The candidate will be responsible for timely updates on project statuses and reporting to the management team and Helix’s customers.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, protein engineering, and/or structural biology

• Industry experience: 3-7 years post-Ph.D. (not including time as an academic postdoc).

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in people and project management.

• Demonstrated knowledge of construct design for structural/biophysical studies.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in protein expression and purification strategies using bacterial, insect, mammalian, and yeast cell lines

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of structural biology, including X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM.

• Strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, and attention to detail.

Location

This position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and does NOT offer a hybrid option. Interaction with external service vendors is also expected.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift 30 lb objects.

• Able to visualize microscopic objects under microscopes.

Non-standard Work Schedule, Travel, and Lab Safety

• Able to adhere to safe work practices and perform lab work with appropriate personal protective equipment such as but not limited to safety goggles, facial mask, gloves, lab coat/protective gowning, and closed-toe shoes.

• Able to work flexible hours occasionally when performing time-sensitive experiments.

Other Job Details

• Eligible for Relocation Package

• Competitive Salary + Bonus

• Retirement (matching 401K)

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

• Company computer

Helix BioStructures, LLC is an equal-opportunity employer, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Helix BioStructures, LLC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status.

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Head of Structural Biology