Helaina is a VC-backed biotech startup creating a new category of functional food products.Our vision is to bring the functional properties of human proteins to food. Helaina will be the first company to put human milk proteins into food, defining a new category of consumer nutrition products focused on supporting immunity. We will initially launch a first-of-its-kind infant formula – the only infant formula with immune-nourishing proteins found in human milk. We also see a range of opportunities to use our breast milk proteins to enhance other types of functional foods for all segments of the population.Helaina is backed by top VCs in the industry including Spark Capital, Siam Capital, Primary Venture Partners, and Plum Alley. We are a team of change-makers looking for our next team member who is intensely passionate about advancing synthetic biology for food and beverage products and redefining the future of nutrition. About the Job:In this role, you will work in our NYC lab to develop analytical methods for the characterization of and provide analytical support to the development of infant formula ingredients and products. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, motivated self-starter with a strong sense of initiative. You will be responsible for contributing directly to Helaina's company milestones by designing, performing, and troubleshooting experiments through the Analytics team's objectives of analytical development and support of ingredients and products. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is hungry to work in a startup environment and ready to make a big impact in a team on future nutritions. What You'll Do:

• Perform and lead the development of mass spectrometry-based methods for the characterization of recombinant proteins and ingredients of food products. These will include but are not limited to intact protein measurement, peptide mapping, glycosylation and other post-translational modification analysis.
• Provide analytical support of R&D in the engineering of strains and the development of processes for the expression and production of recombinant proteins.
• Be responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the major mass spectrometry equipment including LC-MS systems, and training of other scientists.
• Work closely with internal and external resources including CROs and CMOs/CDMOs to contribute to the company's objectives and milestones.
• Perform analytical method development, transfer, validation, and operations, including release and stability studies, for food ingredients and finished products.
• Provide technical support for regulatory filings, health authority questions, change control, and quality impact assessments.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to internal and external audiences.

About You:

• You have a PhD in analytical chemistry, analytical biochemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, or other relevant scientific disciplines with 1+ years; or Master with 5+ years of post graduate experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or analytical service company.
• You have background knowledge of analytical techniques for protein purification and analysis such as chromatography (RP, IEX, SEC), spectroscopy (UV, Fluorescence, CD), and bioanalytical techniques such as, SDS-PAGE/western blotting and HTS bioassays .
• You have a strong background in mass spectrometry characterization of proteins including intact protein measurement, peptide mapping, glycosylation and other post-translational modification analysis.
• You are skilled in proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry is highly desirable.
• Prior applied experience with recombinant protein purification and analysis is a plus.
• You have a strong working knowledge of analytical method development, validation, transfer, and root cause analysis.
• Prior experience of publications in peer review journals, patents, SOPs, and/or regulatory filings is highly desirable.
• You are eager to make an impact in a team environment.
• You are energetic, creative, and personally motivated by the future of food and/or biological products.
• You are an effective communicator, both within a collaborative scientific team and in communicating science to non-technical audience

Compensation is market-competitive with a yearly cash base of $85k - $115k plus equity. Benefits:Helaina was founded on the belief that families should have freedom of choice. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that does just that, supporting our team's health, wellbeing and professional development at every stage and milestone. We are proud to offer comprehensive health care, generous parental leave and childcare reimbursement, equity packages and more to our Full-Time employees. A few highlights include:

• Full medical, vision and dental coverage
• Short and long term disability insurance coverage
• 401k match (up to 3%)
• Unlimited vacation days, including an all-company holiday between Christmas and New Year
• Paid Parental Leave for both parents + flexible return to work program
• Childcare reimbursement program
• Commuter Benefits
• Leadership Development coaching through BetterUp

Helaina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Helaina we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the strongest candidate for this or other roles. For more information, please contact careers@myhelaina.com. Learn more about Helaina: https://www.myhelaina.com/press