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.

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 work in Emeryville, reducing proposed protocols into viable, technician-executable tasks.

Location

This position is hybrid at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.

Compensation

This is a contract engagement. Compensation is a competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience and the agreed scope and duration of work.

Cultural Alignment

• Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.

• High standards, internally driven – you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.

• Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship – you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions