Founder & Key Hires
One founder, a complete computational pipeline, and three critical hires needed to take the technology from code to colony.
Founder
Michael McKenna
Computational biology · Metabolic modeling · Microfluidics
Complete computational pipeline — 7,600+ lines Python, genome-scale metabolic modeling (iJDZ836), ColabFold structural validation
Screened 10,440 knockout combinations using a custom Composite Orthogonality Score; designed and validated two optogenetic constructs (pLDDT 91 and 88)
Provisional patent draft complete — five claim families ready to file within 30 days of legal engagement
Designed the H-tree chip scaffold (10×10 mm, 16 ports, 4 levels) with channel dimensions verified against N. crassa hyphal geometry
7,600+
Lines of Python
10,440
KO pairs screened
2
Validated constructs
5
Patent families
Join the founding team
Three roles needed to execute the 12-month milestone plan. Competitive equity + salary post-seed.
Fungal Geneticist
Part-time / Academic Collaboration
N. crassa transformation expertise for chassis construction. Lead wet-lab strain engineering using electroporation and selection protocols.
Requirements
- → N. crassa or filamentous fungus experience
- → Electroporation + selection protocols
- → PCR verification workflows
- → Access to BSL-1 lab space
Microfluidics Engineer
First hire post-seed
First full-time hire post-seed. Own the physical chip fabrication pipeline — SU-8, PDMS, and organ-chip integration — and translate computational scaffold designs into working prototypes.
Requirements
- → SU-8 / PDMS fabrication
- → Cleanroom experience
- → Organ-chip integration (preferred)
- → Microscopy + fluorescence imaging
Protein Biochemist
Consultant
Execute SEC-MALS and BLI/SPR validation of the optogenetic valve components. Protein expression in E. coli and Pichia systems with purification expertise.
Requirements
- → SEC-MALS characterization
- → BLI / SPR binding assays
- → E. coli / Pichia expression systems
- → Protein purification (FPLC)
Advisory Board
Advisory board forming
Seeking advisors with expertise in synthetic biology, microfluidics, and life sciences commercialization.
Interested in advising? Contact us