Location: Cambridge, MA (The Engine)

Role: Full-time or contract

Education: BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.

Experience: 1–5+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience, specifically in protein purification and biochemistry.

Timing: Starting Summer 2026

Please send your resume and a brief note describing your interest to: info@kykloris.com

Kykloris is an advanced biomaterials startup based at The Engine developing next-generation manufacturing technologies that transform seafood shell waste into high-performance biodegradable biomaterials, including chitin and chitosan.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with experience in recombinant protein expression, purification, enzymology, and biochemical assay development to support our enzyme platform and biomaterials manufacturing technology development.

Project Scope

The role will focus on producing high-quality recombinant proteins and developing robust assays to characterize their enzymatic activity. This role involves purifying proteins from various host systems (bacterial) using FPLC techniques and designing assays to evaluate kinetic parameters and enzyme stability.

Responsibilities may include:

• Protein Purification: Perform small-to-large scale protein purification using affinity, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography (e.g., ÄKTA systems).

• Protein Expression: Cultivate bacteria, perform cell lysis, and optimize protein yield and solubility.

• Assay Development: Design, optimize, and validate biochemical assays to measure enzyme activity, kinetics, and binding affinity.

• Protein Characterization: Perform Quality Control (QC) analysis using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, analytical SEC, and BCA assays.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and prepare technical summaries.

• Equipment Good Practice: Maintain as a general user and be familiar with optimal usage of lab equipment such as FPLC systems, centrifuges, and plate readers.

Preferred Background and Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with FPLC chromatography systems (e.g., GE ÄKTA).

• Proficiency in protein purification techniques (affinity, IEX, SEC).

• Experience in enzyme assay development (e.g., spectrophotometric assays, ELISA).

• Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

• Software: Proficiency in data analysis tools like GraphPad Prism or Microsoft Excel.

• Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE).