Scientist I - Oligo Synthesis

Job Responsibilities:

• Independently plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments to construct and prepare high quality of nucleic acid material for mRNA vaccine production. Take part in mRNA vaccine target development, DNA template production, QC and data analysis.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new synthetic biology technology and optimize existing techniques and workflows to meet goals.
• Collaborate with Automation engineers to automate the gene synthesis workflow, meet the high throughput requirements.
• Utilize software tools to automate DNA designs, NGS data analysis.
• Function in highly collaborative cross functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations to management and other stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members as needed.
• This will be primarily a lab-based position.

Skills:

• Ph.D. with 2+ year of post-graduate experience in synthetic biology field with extensive experience in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library prep, analysis and process optimization.
• Hands-on molecular biology skills in oligo synthesizer, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, Illumina and nanopore NGS platform, automated liquid handler Hamilton etc.
• Expertise in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (Geneious, Snapgene, Benchling etc).
• Expertise in analytical and molecular biology methods relevant to DNA work.

Education/Experience:

• Ph.D. with 2+ year of post-graduate experience in synthetic biology field with extensive experience in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library prep, analysis and process optimization.
• Desire to work in a team-first, fast-paced environment, learn new skills, and to efficiently solve problems.
• Attention to detail & meticulous record keeping
• Hands-on molecular biology skills in oligo synthesizer, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, Illumina and nanopore NGS platform, automated liquid handler Hamilton etc.
• Expertise in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (Geneious, Snapgene, Benchling etc). Some experience in programing such as Python, SQL, R.
• Expertise in analytical and molecular biology methods relevant to DNA work.
• Contract research labs: setting up research agreements and managing externalized research and tech transfer activities
• Plus: experience in programing such as Python, SQL, R.