Head of Structural Biology
Employer: Helix Biostructures
Location: Indianapolis, IN, US (on-site — no hybrid)
Pay: Competitive salary + bonus (not specified)
Type: Full-time
What You’ll Do
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Lead and manage the structural biology team, planning and tracking multiple client projects from gene to structure.
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Provide technical guidance on construct design, expression, purification, and biophysical characterization.
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Oversee X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM workflows; contribute to data collection, processing, and structure solution as needed.
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Mentor and develop staff, allocate resources, and ensure timely client deliverables and status updates.
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Work hands-on when required to troubleshoot experiments and drive project success.
Why It Stands Out
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Senior scientific leadership role at a growing CRO focused on structural biology and early drug discovery.
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High-impact position combining bench science and people/project management across diverse technologies (Cryo-EM, crystallography).
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Relocation support, company computer, and a benefits package including bonus potential.
Potential Trade-offs
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Fully on-site role with occasional flexible or extended hours for time-sensitive experiments.
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Heavy responsibility managing client expectations and multiple concurrent, technically challenging projects.
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Lab environment with PPE requirements and occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs).
Qualifications / Requirements
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PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, protein engineering, structural biology, or related field.
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3–7 years industry experience post-PhD (postdoc time excluded).
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Demonstrated expertise in construct design, expression/purification across bacterial, insect, mammalian, and yeast systems.
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Strong track record with X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM; biophysical characterization skills.
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Proven people and project management experience, excellent communication, and attention to detail.
Perks / Benefits
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Competitive salary + bonus and paid time off.
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Health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement (401k match).
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Relocation support and company computer.
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Opportunity to shape service offerings and mentor a technical team.
Here is the link to view more job details or apply.
Would you take this job? — How do you feel about leading a high-stakes, hands-on structural biology team in a fully on-site CRO environment?