Scientist I

Job Description

Job Summary:

• As an experienced scientist, work independently on synthetic biology tasks including gene/oligo design, oligo synthesis, gene assembly, NGS, nucleic acid purification, process automation, and high-throughput gene synthesis and plasmid production.
• Lead protocol development, quality improvements, and troubleshooting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments for nucleic acid production for mRNA vaccines.
• Participate in mRNA vaccine target development, DNA template production, QC, and data analysis.
• Develop and optimize synthetic biology technologies and workflows.
• Collaborate with automation engineers to meet high-throughput needs.
• Use software tools for DNA design and NGS data analysis.
• Work in cross-functional teams.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Mentor junior team members as needed.
• Primarily a lab-based position.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in synthetic biology or related field with 2+ years post-graduate experience.
• Strong experience in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS, and process optimization.
• Experience with contract research labs, research agreements, and tech transfer preferred.
• Experience with oligo synthesizers, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, NGS platforms, automated liquid handling, Illumina and nanopore NGS platforms, automated liquid handlers (Hamilton, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in DNA analysis software (Geneious, SnapGene, Benchling).
• Programming knowledge (Python, SQL, R) is a plus.
• Familiarity with analytical and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Strong analytical and molecular biology background relevant to DNA work.