Research Associate, Supervisor Synthesis Production

Atlas Data Storage • South San Francisco, CA

8d • $75,000 - $110,000

About The Position

This role directly supports Atlas’s CMOS chip-based DNA synthesis, encompassing both Phosphoramidite and Enzymatic workflows to meet product and customer development needs. The position involves daily collaboration with scientists, engineers, and business development staff. Key responsibilities include performing regular on-chip DNA synthesis runs for customers, which involves reagent preparation, chip handling, DNA extraction, and post-extraction PCR, aliquoting, and encapsulation. The role also entails leading the operation of all hardware, managing limited-scale production, and growing the team as business demands increase. Training and support will be provided by Engineering and Biochemistry departments. The position requires developing and analyzing QC data to ensure sample quality before shipment, as well as developing and implementing SOPs for the production process. Additionally, the role involves training and managing Research Associates (RAs) and Operators to execute SOPs effectively, and developing processes to reduce turnaround time and optimize production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or other relevant field.
• 5 plus years work experience in an industry setting is desirable.
• Prior experience with custom instrumentation within a workflow: running experiments to characterize either the instrument, chip, or other modules involved in the process.
• Comfortable in learning to operate new hardware.
• Experience in using a range of automated liquid handlers.
• Experience in research or production of solid phase oligonucleotide (DNA) synthesis (phosphoramidite and/or enzymatic).
• Experience with laboratory techniques including DNA characterization (Qubit, Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, CE), PCR, qPCR, LCMS, NGS, DNA hybridization assay experience.
• Self-learner, self-starter, with the ability to grasp concepts and techniques on the go.
• Desire to wear multiple hats within a small unit and develop a well-rounded multi-disciplinary profile.
• Experience in effectively managing and training small groups of research associates and operators to develop and maintain production efficiency while ensuring compliance with SOPs and need procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of silicon processing techniques or electrochemistry – a plus
• Understanding of micro-scale processes, physics, chemistry, surface chemistry development – a plus

Responsibilities

• Directly support Atlas’s CMOS chip-based DNA synthesis, including both Phosphoramidite and Enzymatic workflows.
• Perform regular on-chip DNA synthesis runs for customers, encompassing reagent preparation, chip handling, extraction of DNA, and post extraction PCR, Aliquoting and encapsulation.
• Lead operation of all hardware and manage limited scale production.
• Develop and help analyze QC data to ensure completed samples are of adequate quality before shipment.
• Develop and implement SOPs for production process.
• Train and manager RAs and Operators to execute the SOPs effectively.
• Develop processes to reduce turnaround time and optimize production.

What This Job Offers

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