Scientist

Job Description:

• As an experienced Scientist in Synthetic Biology, you will work independently and efficiently on various aspects of synthetic biology, including gene and oligo design, oligo synthesis, gene assembly, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and data analysis, nucleic acid purification and characterization.
• Candidate will lead high-throughput gene synthesis and plasmid production, drive process automation and protocol development, and continuously improve quality, efficiency, and throughput through innovation and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments to construct and prepare high-quality nucleic acid materials for mRNA vaccine production.
• Participate in mRNA vaccine target development, DNA template production, quality control (QC), and data analysis.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new synthetic biology technologies and optimize existing techniques and workflows to meet project goals.
• Collaborate with automation engineers to automate gene synthesis workflows and achieve high-throughput objectives.
• Utilize software tools for automated DNA design and NGS data analysis.
• Function effectively in cross-functional and collaborative research teams.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior team members as required.
• Engage with contract research labs to establish research agreements, manage externalized research, and oversee technology transfer activities.

Competencies / Requirements:

Education:

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a minimum of 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.

Technical Expertise:

• Extensive experience in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library preparation, analysis, and process optimization.
• Hands-on molecular biology skills including oligo synthesizer operation, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, Illumina and Nanopore NGS platforms, and automated liquid handling (e.g., Hamilton).
• Proficiency in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (e.g., Geneious, SnapGene, Benchling).
• Basic programming experience (Python, SQL, or R) is an advantage.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Attention to detail with excellent record-keeping practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-first, fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and mentoring skills.