Position Overview
The Principal Scientist, X-ray Crystallography, will play a foundational role in establishing and leading the organization’s crystallography capability. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished structural biologist to shape a new laboratory from the ground up, define its operational standards, and build external partnerships that will support its long-term success.
In the initial phase, the Principal Scientist will oversee the complete setup of the crystallography laboratory, including vendor evaluation and selection, equipment procurement, and the development of operational workflows. The role will also be responsible for establishing and cultivating ongoing relationships with synchrotron facilities to ensure reliable access for data collection activities.
The Principal Scientist will be responsible for the review, interpretation, and analysis of diffraction data, culminating in comprehensive written reports delivered to clients. The role encompasses image analysis, report generation, and report delivery, with a strong emphasis on customer service and direct client engagement. The Principal Scientist will uphold rigorous quality standards while ensuring that client specifications and project timelines are consistently met.
Reports to: CSO
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the initial setup of the crystallography laboratory, including evaluation and engagement of vendors, procurement of equipment and consumables, and establishment of operational workflows
• Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with synchrotron facilities to ensure reliable access for data collection
• Develop project-specific workflows aligned with client objectives and implement them in collaboration with team members
• Conduct thorough reviews of relevant scientific literature to inform sample analyses and support project strategy
• Execute the full crystallography workflow, from crystallization screening through data collection and analysis
• Perform model building and refinement to a high standard of accuracy and reproducibility
• Prepare comprehensive written reports detailing findings from image analysis and data processing
• Present ongoing analyses and results to clients in a timely manner and respond constructively to feedback
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and client specifications across all assigned projects
Required Qualifications
• PhD (or equivalent) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biology, or a related life sciences discipline
• A minimum of five years of experience in protein crystallography
• Demonstrated experience in model building and refinement
• Rigorous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues at all organizational levels
• Capacity to manage multiple complex projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience establishing or expanding a crystallography laboratory, including equipment selection and workflow design
• Established relationships with synchrotron facilities such as APS, NSLS-II, SSRL, or comparable international sources
• Experience with remote data collection protocols and mail-in crystallography services
• Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships, procurement processes, and capital equipment budgets
• Familiarity with industry-standard software packages, including CCP4, Phenix, and Coot
• Experience in a contract research, service-oriented, or client-facing scientific environment
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in structural biology or related fields
• Experience with AI applications in structural biology and in modern drug discovery workflows
Why Join Us
NanoImaging Services / Proteos is establishing an integrated structural biology platform purpose-built for drug discovery workflows. Co-located with our protein expression and purification facility in Kalamazoo, the crystallography program will operate in close coordination with an established cryo-EM capability to deliver orthogonal, high-resolution structural insights across a broad range of biological targets — including soluble proteins and protein-ligand complexes. Our long-term vision is a multi-modal characterization environment in which crystallographic, electron microscopic, and biophysical data are generated and interpreted within a unified scientific framework, enabling clients to pursue structure-based drug design with greater speed and confidence. The Principal Scientist joining at this stage will define the crystallographic methodology, establish the quality standards, and help architect the workflows that will underpin this capability for years to come.
NanoImaging/Proteos offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future, including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance — Benefits begin the 1st day of the following month of employment
• Paid Time Off — 20 days of accrued PTO annually, plus 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Match — Invest in your future with our company-sponsored retirement savings plan
• Stock Options
Additional Postitions
