Come find your purpose at Future Fields
Head of Protein Sciences
Description
Ready to unlock the full potential of biology? We're looking for a visionary Head of Protein Sciences to lead the team that purifies and characterizes the groundbreaking proteins made by our EntoEngine™ platform. You'll be the go-to expert for solving our toughest biochemistry challenges and expanding the foundational science that proves our platform's value to the world.
Changing the world - one fruit fly at a time.
We’ve developed a novel insect-based expression platform that allows us to make the world’s most sustainable recombinant proteins.
We’re unleashing the next biorevolution.
At Future Fields, we are continually learning and evolving. We know we don’t have all the answers, but we try to ask all the questions. We believe in “failing forward” and leveraging our mistakes to help us grow. We never want our team to feel constrained by the status quo and we don’t judge ideas based on where they come from. We actively work to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and psychological safety through transparency, structure, and open communication. We know it sounds cliche, but every employee really is a valued and equal member of the Future Fields team.
Come find your purpose with Future Fields.
We are a rapidly growing venture backed startup (with support from awesome investors including Bee Partners, Y Combinator, BDC Climate Tech, R7 Partners, Toyota Ventures and Amplify Capital). We’ve even had a shoutout from Ironman himself! Joining our team now means you’ll have the opportunity to shape our culture and products, to lead others, and to influence the direction of our company. Perhaps most importantly - you’ll be joining a team that is genuinely energized by this work and the meaningful potential of biotech to change the world.
About the role
The Head of Protein Sciences will be the cornerstone of our protein biochemistry function, providing the strategic vision and technical leadership required to unlock the full potential of our novel EntoEngine™ platform. This role reports directly to the VP of R&D and will collaborate closely with functional leads across the company. As the company’s ultimate protein expert, you will be accountable for the success of all protein-related work, from discovery and process development to final characterization. You will lead and mentor our talented Protein and Assay Development teams, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation. This is a senior leadership role that will not only shape the direction of a critical R&D function but will also be a force multiplier for the entire company, translating deep technical expertise into foundational strategies that drive our long-term success.
- Setting the technical vision and long-term strategy for protein sciences at Future Fields, ensuring your team’s work aligns with and drives our core business objectives.
- Serving as the key technical lead and "protein guru" for all biochemistry-related activities, acting as the ultimate resource for troubleshooting complex challenges in protein expression, extraction, purification, and analysis.
- Leading the design, execution, and optimization of robust downstream processes for both internal R&D and external client projects, with a focus on developing scalable methods for purifying even the most difficult-to-express proteins (DTEPs).
- Building and expanding our protein analytics and characterization capabilities, creating the compelling, data-rich case studies needed to sharpen our value proposition and drive commercial success.
- Leading, mentoring, and growing our Protein and Assay Development (AD) scientists, holding the team to a high standard of excellence and fostering their professional development.
- Providing expert guidance to the Genetics team on construct and plasmid design to optimize protein expression, solubility, and function from the outset.
- Collaborating closely with the Process Development and Manufacturing teams to ensure the seamless transfer and scale-up of purification processes.
- Supplying technical data and insights to support the Commercial team when needed.
A visionary scientific leader with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, or a related field and 8+ years of industry experience in recombinant protein science. We are seeking a proven "protein whiz" who has a deep, hands-on track record of solving complex purification and characterization challenges across a wide variety of protein classes. The ideal candidate is both a technical leader and mentor, capable of building and inspiring a high-performing team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Relevant experience outside of academia is a must.
About you
Are you the person who sees a complex protein purification challenge not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity to innovate? Are you the protein whisperer who can troubleshoot any biochemistry problem, from low yield to non-functionality? You own the outcome, period. You aren't afraid to dig into the data, ask "why?", and challenge assumptions with candor and kindness to find the best path forward. You thrive on moving with purpose, relentlessly prioritizing the work that drives the biggest impact. As a natural leader, you default to open, sharing your learnings widely and mentoring your colleagues to elevate the entire organization. You are passionate about building the foundational strategies and systems that will allow us to deliver on our promise: using fruit flies for the betterment of life.
- A Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Deep, demonstrated expertise in developing and optimizing downstream processes, including diverse chromatography techniques (IEX, HIC, SEC, Affinity) and FPLC systems (e.g., ÄKTA).
- Broad experience across multiple recombinant expression systems (e.g., microbial, yeast, insect, mammalian).
- Proven success in troubleshooting the expression and purification of a wide range of challenging proteins (DTEPs).
- Extensive hands-on experience with a broad suite of modern protein analytical and biophysical characterization techniques (e.g., Mass Spectrometry, SPR/BLI, DLS, CD, DSF).
- Proven expertise in the design, development, and validation of robust assays from the ground up to characterize protein function, stability, and purity.
- A strong track record of leading, mentoring, and managing scientific teams to deliver on ambitious goals.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
- Direct experience with insect expression systems, particularly Drosophila melanogaster.
- Experience translating and scaling processes from the bench to pilot or manufacturing scale.
- Familiarity with working in or for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environments.
This roadmap outlines the impact you'll make as you grow with us. We'll use this as a guide for your first year, knowing that in a fast-paced environment, we'll adapt and evolve these goals together.
Within 1 month, you will:
- Embed deeply with the Protein and Genetics teams to understand the current state of the EntoEngine™ platform.
- Develop and present a strategic technical roadmap for the Protein Sciences function, identifying key gaps and opportunities.
Within 3 months, you will:
- Take full ownership of the Protein Sciences strategy and team operations. You will launch initiatives to implement new analytical methodologies and will be actively leading your team to unlock a new level of performance for a key protein class.
Within 6 months, you will:
- Deliver a validated, expanded suite of protein analytical offerings that can be immediately leveraged by the Commercial team. Your leadership will have resulted in measurable improvements in the yield, purity, or characterization of 1-2 key proteins, directly supporting major company objectives.
Within 1 year, you will:
- Define and provide data to answer the fundamental question: "What proteins are we better at making than anyone else?"
- You will have established a high-performing, results-driven team whose work is foundational to new commercial deals and our long-term innovation strategy, solidifying your role as a key leader shaping the future of the company.
About our team
Our story and approach to science is anything but conventional. Matt (co-founder/CEO) was a touring punk rock musician who dropped out of University before returning to complete his PhD in cell biology. Jalene (co-founder/COO) is a social researcher by training, previously working on issues from the right to affordable housing to harm reduction. The spark of an idea for our technology came while waiting in line for tiny, Canadian donuts. Our broader team of scientists, engineers, circus performers, restaurateurs, dancers, music aficionados, kid parents, pet parents, cyclists, and artists hail from every corner of the world - from small town Alberta to Poland, India, Vietnam and Pakistan. We credit our diverse team and experiences as the key to our success - and we encourage candidates of all identities and backgrounds to apply.
FAQs
Where is Future Fields located?
Our headquarters and production facility are located in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, in a renovated historic warehouse. From the exposed brick to our summer patio - it’s not your average lab space. It is central, close to transit and bike lanes, and walking distance to some of the city’s best coffee shops, restaurants and Edmonton’s incredible river valley.
I don’t live in Edmonton. Why would I want to relocate there?
Because it’s great! For starters, Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities with 2299 hours of bright sunshine per year. It’s consistently ranked one of Canada’s most affordable cities to live in and was recently described as Canada’s most exciting culinary city. There’s a festival almost every weekend, North America’s largest mall and the longest stretch of urban parkland on the continent (over 160km of trails!). There’s something for everyone in Edmonton, and it will be even better with you in it.
Any other perks?
Many! Some include: comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; flexible paid time off policy; and the office is always stocked with snacks and all the coffee you can drink.
Will I like working for a startup?
Great question. Startup life is definitely not for everyone. We move quickly. Projects and priorities shift fast. There is a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty at times and we’re not immune to the growing pains of a rapidly scaling startup. The risk is high, but so is the reward. We promise you will never get bored. You will have fun and learn a lot. You will grow personally and professionally in ways you never imagined (alongside our company). You will be part of something much bigger than yourself and contribute directly to the mission of a team who cares deeply about changing the world for the better. Oh, and equity!
Sound like something you are interested in? Here are the next steps:
Apply online using our job portal.
If it seems like a good fit, next steps will look somewhat like this:
- We will contact you for a casual 15-minute video call.
- We will set up an interview to dive into your technical skills and motivation.
- We’ll arrange another interview to figure out how you fit with our team and culture, and better understand your career trajectory.
- We will set up a coffee chat with you and a team member. This is your chance to dig in and find out what it’s really like to work for Future Fields. This is for you!
- We will speak with two of your references to confirm our assumption that you are, in fact, our next great hire.
- We offer you a job!
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. For international candidates, support for Canadian work authorization may be provided.