Senior Research Associate, Chemistry

Atlas Data Storage • South San Francisco, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Support and contribute towards the research and development of a custom high-throughput DNA synthesis platform for DNA data storage. This role involves operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting DNA synthesizers, preparing stock reagents, and performing characterization of surfaces, buffers, and reagents. The associate will also run and maintain analytical tools for oligonucleotide quality assessment, utilize lab management and data analysis software, manage workflows, and handle chemicals and hazardous waste safely.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 4–6 years of relevant work experience or a Master's degree with 2–3 years of experience in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in executing multistep organic synthesis and diverse purification methodologies
• Proven track record with standard analytical tools and procedures, such as LC-MS, HPLC, and UV-vis spectroscopy
• Background in utilizing surface characterization instruments, including fluorescence microscopy, contact angle measurements, and ellipsometry
• Handling organic and inorganic chemicals and hazardous lab waste with safe chemical handling practices is required

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on expertise in bioconjugation and click chemistry for the functionalization of biomolecules and surfaces is desirable

Responsibilities

• Support and contribute towards the research and development of a custom high-throughput DNA synthesis platform for DNA data storage
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting of DNA synthesizers
• Preparing stock reagents for in-house phosphoramidite and enzyme based DNA synthesis processes, including reagent prep using a humidity controlled glove box
• Perform characterization of a variety of surfaces using surface characterization tools and techniques
• Perform characterization of buffers and reagents by using metrics such as pH, moisture content measurement, purity, etc.
• Running, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical tools for assessment of quality of oligonucleotides, including HPLC, LCMS, and capillary electrophoresis
• Utilizing lab management and data analysis software to document data, monitor reagent quality, and produce scientific presentations and reports on experimental findings
• Managing variety of workflows start to finish including inventory management
• Handling organic and inorganic chemicals and hazardous lab waste with safe chemical handling practices is required

What This Job Offers

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