2026 PhD Residency - Protein Engineer (Early Stage Biology Project)

InternshipMountain View, CA

The Team:

The Bio Design Kitchen (BioDK) is X’s state-of-the-art biology and chemistry lab that empowers Xers to tackle unique challenges to launch moonshots in biology and chemistry. Our team of resident scientists and engineers are experts at turning biochemical concepts into reality, whether it's rapid prototyping, in-house development, or brainstorming novel solutions.

The Role:

We are looking for an exceptional PhD student with expertise in protein engineering, particularly with a focus on biocatalysis. Candidates should have substantial hands-on experience in the implementation of protein engineering workflows in a wet-lab setting. The ideal candidate should also have familiarity with the integration of ML methods with experimental protein-function determination to accelerate protein engineering efforts and improve outcomes.

You will be a part of X’s Design Kitchen, a world-class team of builders and dreamers, and work closely with other groups involving the frontiers of machine learning. If you are motivated by making the world a radically better place through computation and biology, and want to be part of an inclusive team with diverse mindsets and backgrounds that makes this happen - then this might just be the role for you.

How you will make 10x impact:

  • Contribute to the design and implementation of enzyme engineering workflows in the wet-lab
  • Identify and subsequently optimize protein traits according to design criteria for an applied setting
  • Bring your own perspective and experience to help strategize protein engineering campaigns
  • Quickly derisk SOTA protein engineering techniques in the laboratory
  • Expand our knowledge base by combining modern biological and chemical tools with advanced computational methods
  • Work cross-functionally with experts in multiple disciplines at X and Google
  • Have fun!

This project aims to push the limits of science and modeling as we know them and to prove how ML can radically accelerate our understanding of the world

  • Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
  • Start Date(s): Summer 2026
  • Duration: a flexible 4 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability

Throughout your AI Residency you can expect:

  • To be embedded into one of our confidential or public X projects
  • To get paid competitively and receive benefits
  • To be a part of a lively community of AI and ML Residents
  • To attend tech-talks with AI leaders from across X

What you should have:

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in the biological or physical sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering) with a strong track record of accomplishment
  • Experience with protein phenotyping, particularly optical and chromatographic characterization of biocatalytic systems
  • Experience with the design and construction of protein variant libraries
  • Understanding of DNA assembly and high-throughput sequencing, including short- and long-read next-generation sequencing (NGS)
  • Strong experience with independently-directed lab research
  • Hands-on experience with protein purification methods
  • Proficiency with Python

It’d be great if you also had these:

  • A strong publication record indicating expertise in modern protein engineering techniques
  • Direct experience applying SOTA computational protein models to the optimization of protein function
  • Experience with engineering of cofactor-dependent proteins

Additional public information:

https://www.wired.com/video/watch/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x-speaks-at-wired25

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-10-10/alphabet-x-s-astro-teller-on-bloomberg-studio-1-0-video

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $147,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include benefits.

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