Research Scientist

Research Scientist

Location: 1450 S. Rolling Rd., Room 4.097, Halethorpe, Maryland 21227, USA
Department: Research & Development
Reports To: Director, Research / Head of R&D

About Fzata

Fzata, Inc. (www.fzata.com) is a near-clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Halethorpe, Maryland, focused on developing orally administered live biotherapeutic products using our proprietary Bioengineered Probiotic Yeast Medicines (BioPYM®) platform. Our mission is to make innovative biologic therapies for gastrointestinal diseases accessible and affordable to patients worldwide.

We are building a highly collaborative, science-driven organization that values innovation, accountability, scientific rigor, and teamwork. We are seeking a motivated and talented Research Scientist to join our growing scientific team and contribute to the discovery and development of next-generation oral LBPs.

Position Summary

The Research Scientist will play a hands-on role in advancing our BioPYM platform through yeast strain engineering, protein expression, assay development, and characterization of therapeutic candidates. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, maintaining detailed records, and effectively presenting research findings to project teams.

This position requires strong laboratory skills, scientific curiosity, excellent organization, and the ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strain Engineering and Characterization

• Construct engineered yeast strains expressing therapeutic proteins or antibodies.
• Perform clone screening, genetic verification, and lead strain selection.
• Characterize engineered strains using molecular, biochemical, and cell-based assays.
• Support strain optimization for expression, stability, and manufacturability.

Molecular Biology

• Perform routine molecular biology techniques including: 
  • PCR and qPCR
  • Restriction of enzyme digestion and ligation
  • Gibson Assembly
  • Plasmid construction and cloning
  • DNA/RNA extraction and purification
  • Transformation and colony screening
  • Gel electrophoresis and sequence verification
• Design expression vectors and support transgene integration strategies.

Protein Expression and Purification

• Express recombinant proteins and antibodies using mammalian cell systems (HEK293 and/or CHO cells).
• Purify proteins and perform quality assessments.
• Generate and characterize stable cell lines when required.

Immunological and Functional Assays

• Develop and perform assays including: 
  • ELISA
  • BLI, OCTET
  • MSD assays
  • Western blot
  • Immunoprecipitation (IP)
  • Flow cytometry (FACS)
  • Cell-based potency and functional assays
• Analyze and interpret assay results to support candidate selection and development.

Laboratory Operations

• Prepare media, buffers, reagents, and laboratory materials.
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment, and inventory.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

Documentation and Communication

• Maintain detailed, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Complete experimental data analysis and submit raw data promptly, preferably on the day experiments are completed.
• Prepare technical reports, data summaries, and scientific presentations.
• Regularly present findings and recommendations to internal project teams.

Required Qualifications

Education

• BS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience.
• MS in a related scientific discipline preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong hands-on experience in molecular biology and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with yeast engineering, microbial genetics, or synthetic biology.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, protein expression, and purification.
• Experience with immunological assays and bioanalytical methods.
• Strong experimental troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.

Professional Skills

• Excellent scientific record-keeping and data integrity practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated learning agility and strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with recombinant therapeutic proteins or antibodies.
• Experience with probiotic, microbial, yeast, or live biotherapeutic product development.
• Experience with flow cytometry assay development and analysis.
• Experience with stable cell line generation and characterization.
• Knowledge of fermentation, strain engineering, or bioprocess development.
• Familiarity with analytical characterization of biologics.
• Understanding of CMC requirements for biologic drug development.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling or preclinical development programs.

Key Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong laboratory execution skills.
• Scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Timely generation and reporting of high-quality data.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic startup environment.
• Commitment to innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Compensation and Benefits

Fzata offers a competitive compensation package including salary, performance-based incentives, health benefits, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding biotechnology company.

Fzata is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.