Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant

ABOUT ASTERA

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.

Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here https://astera.org/vision/.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Astera Institute is seeking a Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant to advise on and develop the surface chemistry that anchors a DNA-origami structure to a device surface with controlled placement and orientation. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a contract position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Design site-specific attachment chemistry (e.g., photochemical or click approaches) to anchor the DNA-origami structure to the device surface with controlled coverage and orientation.

- Advise on functionalization of the dielectric and polymer surfaces in the device stack.

- Develop these approaches into a laboratory standardized protocol for implementation by others.

- Troubleshoot attachment yield and orientation with the wet-lab team, and recommend methods to characterize anchor quality.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- PhD-level expertise in bioconjugation and surface chemistry.

- A track record with DNA or biomolecule surface tethering and photochemistry / click chemistry.

- Availability for a fractional, advisory engagement, with periodic on-site lab ...