Alta Resource Technologies, Inc.
Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering
Location: Boulder, CO
Reports To: Sr. Director of Applied Biology
About Us
Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to
extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with
unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral
separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century
technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most
urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and
government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to
help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.
Role Summary
The Principal Scientist in Protein Engineering will oversee the scientific process optimizations for
the directed evolution of metalloprotein variants, including implementing state-of-the-art
approaches to protein design, expression, and testing of proteins for continuous improvement. The
role will execute at the bench to develop workflows for protein design, cloning, expression, and
assays to enhance protein production, purification, and downstream applications. The candidate
will have experience in agile process workflows to implement directed evolution campaigns that
will yield proteins with novel characteristics. The candidate will develop robust protocols for
transfer within internal and external groups. The individual will join a group of collaborative
scientists with diverse skill sets and must have strong communication and critical thinking skills
with a rigorous approach to science.
Key Responsibilities
1. Develop and optimize high throughput protein engineering workflows
• Establish construct design and cloning workflows that enable high-throughput and
multiplexed approaches for protein variant testing and selections.
• Develop high-throughput variant libraries for improving strain and protein
performance including optimizing for protein production, aKnity, specificity, and
stability.
• Develop and implement automation and experimental strategies to support high-
throughput and library-scale directed evolution campaigns.
• Collaborate with the team to develop end-to-end processes designed for workflow
eKciency.
2. Develop and implement scale-up protein production workflows
• Apply data analysis from directed evolution campaigns to inform scale-up
production of lead protein candidates.
• Design and implement protein production improvements to achieve round-over-
round improvement.
3. Leadership and Communication
• Ensure excellent practices in documentation of all protocols and experiments.
- EMectively communicate results with stakeholders across the company.
- Develop talent through team building and project execution.
Required Qualifications
● Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field with 10+ years of industry
experience.
● Expertise in high-throughput molecular biology approaches and library-scale workflows.
● Expertise in protein engineering, including novel protein design, scalable microtiter
production and assays, informed data interpretation for protein candidate selections.
● Expertise in design and implementation of automated workflows.
● Experience in microbial bioproduction.
● Lead and contribute at the bench with hands-on workflow development.
● Deep knowledge of classic and state-of-the-art molecular biology and multiplex library-
scale approaches to directed evolution campaigns.
● Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design, the scientific method, and statistical
analysis.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work within diMerent teams.
● Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with metalloprotein biochemistry.
- Experience with bioconjugate chemistry.
- Experience with fermentation and down-stream processing.
- Proficiency in working with data science teams for scripting pipelines and bioinformatics.
Compensation & Benefits
The starting pay range for this position is $130,000 - $170,000 commensurate with educational
background and work experience.
Benefits include:
● 401(K)
● Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent)
● Flexible Time Off
● Paid Parental Leave
● Paid Sick Leave
● Company Holidays
EOE
At Alta, we are committed to diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, all
qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical
conditions), gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability,
or any other legally protected characteristic. Alta participates in e-Verify for all positions.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any point in the hiring
process, please let your recruiter know.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter (see below) to [email protected].
Include your name and the job title in the subject line (i.e., [Your Name] – [Job Title]).
All applications must include a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should clearly state your
interest in the position and our company, outline 2–3 specific technical skills or accomplishments
relevant to the role, and demonstrate how your experience aligns with our mission and technology
platform. We expect concrete examples that illustrate measurable impact and collaborative
problem-solving in technology development. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not
be considered.
