Principal Scientist
Hoofprint Biome is a venture-backed start-up that is leveraging biotechnology to avert the climate crisis. We are engineering enzymes and probiotics to eliminate methane emissions from cattle while also improving animal health and productivity. We believe that cattle are a key pillar of sustainable agriculture and human nutrition, and eliminating their methane emissions will enable transformative progress in the fight against climate change.
We’re looking for a talented Principal Scientist who is passionate about animal, human, and planetary health. You must be motivated, comfortable with a fast-paced work environment, team oriented, and committed to building exceptional products. Your role relies on mentorship, scientific design, and wet-lab execution.
The Principal Scientist will serve as a key leader of scientific initiatives across enzyme and strain engineering. This role requires both leadership and hands-on contributions in the lab, ensuring seamless communication, efficient experimental design, and a high quality of work. In partnership with the Chief Scientific Officer, the Principal Scientist will design and execute experiments, write and oversee protocols, and provide guidance to the team of scientists and research associates to achieve organizational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Design and oversee execution and analysis of experiments in enzymology, microbiology, strain engineering, and protein engineering.
Develop and leverage an understanding of rumen microbial dynamics in experimental design.
Work with Scientists and RAs on detailed experimental plans and processes, including identification of appropriate controls, assay design and optimization, reagent selection, proper execution, and data analysis.
Mentor young scientists: expanding their breadth of knowledge, helping them troubleshoot experiments, and guiding them through new experimental workflows.
Present finding and project updates to internal research and executive teams
Assist in authoring technical reports for intellectual property, grant applications, and regulatory filings
Play a key role in building and fostering Hoofprint’s culture and contribute to the growth and leadership of the bioengineering team
Collaborate on various aspects of general business, lab operations, and people operations as needed.
Qualifications
PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., bioengineering, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline).
5+ years of relevant experience in biotech R&D, at least 4 of those years spent in an industry position.
Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, protocol development, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
Thrive in team-oriented science and mentorship.
Experience with engineering biological systems (microbes, cells, proteins, DNA, and related).
Proficient in lab techniques and tools relevant to the organization’s research. These include molecular cloning, microbial fermentation and culture, protein expression, protein purification, protein characterization, protein engineering and DNA sequencing.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to bridge leadership and technical teams.
Proven ability to mentor and develop scientific talent.
Strong organizational and time management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to seamlessly transition across different scientific disciplines.
Commitment to collaboration and fostering a team-oriented culture.
Curiosity, intention, tenacity, and accountability to the mission.
Must love cows.
We offer competitive salary and equity options, and benefits include health, vision, dental, life insurance, and 401(k). We value diversity in thought from people with all types of experiences, ethnicities, talents, ages, and ideas, and we especially encourage candidates from minority and disadvantaged groups to apply.