Manufacturing Specialist -Water Bear Bio (ETS)- Temporary

Emory University • Atlanta, GA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Water Bear Bio is an academic biotech startup revolutionizing the way biological samples are handled. We are preparing to launch our cutting-edge Extract & Store (E&S) technology, which integrates RNA extraction and stabilization into a single, field-ready kit. By dramatically improving RNA stabilization and eliminating the need for ultra-cold storage, our drop-in system enables critical emerging virus surveillance and testing anywhere in the world. As we accelerate our go-to-market transition, we are seeking a highly motivated Temporary Manufacturing Specialist to join our launch team. In this high-impact, sprint-focused role, you will be instrumental in scaling up our production to turn international collaborations into our first sales. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience bridging the gap between university-born innovation and commercial manufacturing, directly supporting pilot deployments at high-credibility sites globally. We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Specialist to transition our Extract & Store (E&S) technology from ad-hoc assembly to small batch manufacturing. While employed through Emory University, this role directly supports Water Bear Bio’s goal of rapidly deploying E&S kits to strategic domestic and international pilot sites. By establishing dedicated inventory, this role will eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks and significantly reduce the sales and pilot cycle.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Prior hands-on experience working in a laboratory, cleanroom, or medical device/biotech manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience executing strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a clear understanding of lot release criteria and quality control.
• Excellent fine motor skills for the precise, repetitive handling of small components, such as assembling 1.5 mL tubes, loading desiccant spheres, and securing membranes.
• Hyper-attention to detail to ensure end-user viability.
• Must be highly reliable, capable of managing time independently to hit strict inventory targets, and proactive in communicating supply shortages or bottlenecks.

Responsibilities

• Scale up ad-hoc kit assembly to small batch manufacturing to produce at least 100 fully packaged product kits.
• Manufacture 50 kits of 50 extractions and 50 kits of 96 extractions (Bio Card arrays).
• Execute repeatable standard operating procedures (SOPs) developed in partnership with Rook Quality Systems.
• Conduct quality control testing and adhere strictly to lot release criteria.
• Assemble and package components, including lysis tubes, Bio Cards, drop-in storage cylinders, and liquid reagents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level