Founding Technical Lead (RNA, Aptamers, and Molecular Systems)

About Grafton Sciences

We’re building AI systems with general physical ability, the capacity to experiment, engineer, or manufacture anything. We believe achieving this is a key step toward building superintelligence. With deep technical roots and real-world progress at scale (e.g., a $42M NIH project), we’re pushing the frontier of physical AI. Joining us means inventing from first principles, owning real systems end to end, and helping build a capability the world has never had before.

About the Role

We’re seeking a Founding Technical Lead with deep expertise in RNA or molecular chemistry, paired with the range to operate far outside a single domain. You’ll lead a program centered on advanced molecular workflows including RNA structures, aptamers, oligos, and synthetic or biochemical processes while also stepping into areas beyond your initial training. This role requires someone who can design and interpret experiments, coordinate cross-disciplinary execution, and build technical foundations that integrate with robotics, automation, and AI systems. You should be energized by defining new problem spaces, learning new disciplines on demand, and owning outcomes end to end with founder-level autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Lead a molecular program involving RNA aptamers, oligo synthesis, or related biochemical systems, driving execution from concept through deployment.
• Design, prototype, and iterate molecular and chemical workflows, including structure design, synthesis pathways, and assay development.
• Operate as a generalist: learn new domains rapidly, solve problems outside your core expertise, and own cross-functional efforts across engineering, operations, partnerships, or strategy.
• Collaborate with robotics, automation, data, and AI teams to integrate molecular processes into autonomous systems and experimental platforms.
• Build external relationships and coordinate with suppliers, research groups, or technical partners when needed to accelerate program goals.
• Bring clarity and momentum to ambiguous problem spaces where both the scientific and operational paths must be defined from first principles.

Qualifications

• Deep background in RNA biology, aptamers, oligo synthesis, molecular chemistry, biochemistry, or adjacent fields.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex, undefined technical programs and push them forward across disciplines.
• Strong experimental and analytical instincts, with experience designing, executing, and interpreting molecular workflows.
• Comfort bridging molecular science with engineering, automation, modeling, or broader systems challenges.
• High-agency learner who thrives in fast-moving environments and rapidly absorbs new technical concepts.

Above all, we look for candidates who can demonstrate world-class excellence.

Compensation

We offer competitive salary, meaningful equity, and benefits.