Molecular Biology Intern Job at 10x Genomics (Pleasanton)

Job Description

The intern will join the spatial proteomics R&D effort, focusing on building and optimizing high-throughput experimental workflows for screening custom proteins. They will work with display systems (e.g., yeast display) and surface-based assays to evaluate affinity, specificity, and performance of designed proteins across multiple formats.

Job Responsibility

Develop, optimize, and execute high-throughput screening assays to evaluate custom proteins
Build and refine yeast surface display workflows (and/or related display platforms) for quantitative binder characterization using flow cytometry
Establish and compare surface-based screening formats
Implement and benchmark conjugation strategies that link proteins to DNA or other reporter molecules for multiplexed assays and barcoded readouts
Design and execute cloning strategies for custom protein libraries and individual variants
Construct and validate expression vectors for yeast and/or other systems, including QC of expression and display levels
Support expression and basic QC of selected binders
Plan and perform FACS-based and/or plate-based binder screening experiments, including appropriate controls, titrations, and replicates
Analyze high-dimensional assay data to rank candidates based on affinity, specificity, and other performance metrics
Where applicable, prepare samples and data for sequencing-based readouts and collaborate with others to interpret sequence–function relationships
Summarize findings in clear figures, tables, and internal reports, and present progress in regular team meetings
Work with computational design, protein production, and assay development teams to integrate experimental results into the design–build–test–learn cycle
Maintain detailed electronic lab notebook records, SOPs, and reagent documentation to ensure reproducibility and handoff
Contribute to a final internal report and presentation describing the developed workflows, experimental results, and recommendations for future development

Requirements

Current PhD candidate in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field
Ideally within the final 1–2 years of their PhD program, with substantial hands-on experimental training in protein or molecular biology
Proven ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments
Strong quantitative and analytical mindset, including comfort with large datasets from high-throughput screens
Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex results across disciplines
Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary R&D environment
Strong molecular biology foundation: PCR, cloning (e.g., Gibson, Golden Gate), site-directed mutagenesis
Plasmid design, sequence verification, and basic construct troubleshooting
Experience with protein expression and characterization in at least one system (yeast, E. coli, or cell-free): Induction/optimization of expression, basic purification or lysate-based assays, SDS-PAGE/Western
Hands-on experience with high-throughput or quantitative assay formats, such as: Flow cytometry / FACS, plate-based binding assays (ELISA or similar), or cell-based functional assays
Comfort with data analysis and visualization
General awareness and experience with AI data analysis

Nice to have

Experience with Python, R, or analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism is nice to have
Yeast surface display, phage display, ribosome/mRNA display, or other library-based screening technologies
Experience with conjugation and bioconjugation methods, for example: Cysteine-based conjugation (maleimide-thiol, halo tag, SNAP/CLIP, etc.)
Click chemistry (e.g., azide–alkyne, DBCO, strain-promoted cycloaddition)
DNA-barcoding of proteins, or other methods linking proteins to nucleic acids or reporters
Familiarity with translation-linked or puromycin-based conjugation methods, or related approaches that couple protein synthesis to covalent capture is highly desired
Background in protein engineering, antibody/nanobody development, or de novo mini-binder workflows

What we offer

Generous time off
Competitive and comprehensive health benefits package
Competitive easy-to-use benefits that promote wellbeing and make your life easier
Family friendly policies like parental leave
Award-Winning Workplace

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Molecular Biology Intern

Job Description

Job Responsibility

Requirements

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