Mystic, Connecticut

Enko discovers and develops novel products for farmers to protect their crops from pests and disease. Our proprietary technology platform represents a revolutionary approach to rapidly discover safe and economical solutions that are needed to ensure sustainable food production. Led by a team of proven scientists, entrepreneurs and ag-industry veterans, Enko’s innovative science, agile design, and discovery of new modes of action is producing next-generation crop protection solutions that will overcome the critical challenges facing the industry.

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Assistant is responsible for protein expression and purification with a focus on results delivery and scientific excellence. The successful candidate will contribute to protein production activities in support of target-based, lead discovery and optimization programs, and will have demonstrated the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative environment. They will have an opportunity to help establish a culture that nurtures scientific excellence, a sense of urgency to achieve project success, and success built on collaboration and personal accountability.

Major responsibilities include:

• Expression, purification, QC and inventory management of high-quality target proteins to support discovery, characterization, advancement and optimization of products across the Enko R&D pipeline.

• Produce, ensure quality, deliver, and maintain stocks of purified proteins and associated reagents including expression constructs and cell lines.

• Strengthen expertise in molecular biology and cell culture, and protein production, purification, and characterization with hands-on work and preparation of SOPs.

• Provide and maintain documentation records of work and registration of reagents in company electronic notebook system and databases.

• Assist with managing protein production projects both internally and through CROs including tech transfer and support, domestic and international shipments, and courier deliveries.

• Collaboration with a diverse team of scientists to identify and validate targets and optimize lead chemistries creating a pipeline of product candidates.

• Collaborate to develop an integrated strategy for discovering and developing novel crop protection chemistries.

Qualifications and Skills:

• BS in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline.

• A minimum of 2 years of academic or industry experience with construct design, expressing, purifying, and characterizing enzymes or other proteins in bacteria, yeast, insect and/or mammalian platforms.

• Demonstrated proficiency in experimental design and execution, data analysis, record keeping and data-driven decision making.

• Excellent written and oral communication and ability to learn and manage essential technical capabilities and capacities effectively with minimal direct authorities.

• Desire and ability to excel in a multidisciplinary environment; open-minded and capable of receiving feedback.

Please send your current CV to careers@enkochem.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mystic, Connecticut 

Enko Chem is a venture-backed start-up in the Mystic, CT area committed to addressing the needs of a growing world population by advancing the discovery and development of new crop protection chemistries.  We have a team of scientists who collaborate internally and externally to move discoveries from the laboratory to the field.  We are actively looking for an individual with a background in a relevant biological discipline to join a team that characterizes novel small molecules for their effectiveness in controlling agronomically important pests.

Major responsibilities will include:

• Conduct bioassays to test the effect of novel small molecules including compound preparation, test setup, and troubleshooting of routine problems
• Record data in enterprise systems, analyze data and communicate results to team members via presentations and technical reports
• Utilize liquid handling equipment to improve assay quality and workgroup productivity
• Integrate laboratory data collection with our internal data systems

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated an ability to reliably implement bioassays and effectively communicate results.  They will have demonstrated a strong work ethic, an ability to independently plan and execute their work and an ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Qualifications and Skills

• BS in Biology or a biological sciences-related discipline

• 1-2 years research experience working in a laboratory or greenhouse environment is desired

• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage work processes within the stipulated time

• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Excellent written and oral communication

• Special consideration will be given to candidates with training and experience in plant biology, plant pathology, entomology or nematology.

• Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience with liquid handling robotics and / or process optimization

Resumes and cover letters should be sent to careers@enkochem.com 

• Working closely with the Discovery team to design safe and efficacious molecules; Consultants, collaborators, and others identified as instrumental to product discovery and development; and the Enko Scientific Advisory Board, providing timely information for decision making
  

• Incorporating computational tools in the design of molecules. Such tools would include, but are not limited to, structure-activity relationships (OECD Toolbox, etc.), in silico identification of potential human and ecological toxicological issues, molecular docking models, and advanced capability to implement predictive human and environmental modeling
  

• Employ and interpret early-phase product safety screening assays to evaluate and select compounds for development. Screening assays will cover both human and environmental risk
  

• Coordinate the development of post-screening de-risking strategies that help lead to the design, selection, and advancement of safe and efficacious compounds
  

• Identify optimal Contract Research Organizations and other collaborators for study placement. Coordinate and manage protocol development, study conduct, delivery of data, and interpretation of results
  

• PhD in toxicology, pharmacology, or related field and a minimum of 4 years’ experience working in the field of human and/or ecological toxicology
  

• An understanding of and experience with global regulatory data requirements
  

• Demonstrated experience in informatics and/or insilico modeling. For example, predictive toxicity software, genomics/transcriptomics, with an emphasis on extracting, compiling, and analyzing complex data sets for building QSAR/machine learning models
  

• Experience with designing and placing studies with CROs or other collaborators, with an ability to influence and arbitrate the quick resolution of issues, ensuring on-time delivery of results and reports
  

• Ability to work well within a diverse team and to think strategically
  

• Effective management of a wide range of tasks, responding in a timely manner and adjusting and reacting quickly to changing priorities in a variety of situations
  

• Effective communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills