Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology
About The Position
GenScript is seeking a motivated, experienced scientist with multidisciplinary expertise in molecular biology and synthetic biology, a product-development mindset, and the ability to build technologies and workflows from the ground up. As part of a small, collaborative R&D team, this scientist will lead development of molecular biology products and technologies, especially gene synthesis and DNA library construction using GenScript’s proprietary high-throughput DNA synthesis platforms. The position combines hands-on research, technical leadership, supervision of junior team members, and management of projects from concept and feasibility assessment through process development, technology transfer, and commercialization. The scientist will establish robust, scalable workflows for automated, large-scale production and collaborate with bioinformatics, chemistry, manufacturing, and quality partners. The role also includes developing automated production processes, supporting product launches and continuous process improvement in an ISO 9001-compliant environment, evaluating and communicating research findings, and preparing technical documentation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and at least 8 years of relevant industry experience; master’s degree and at least 5 years; or Ph.D. and at least 3 years.
- Relevant disciplines include biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, chemistry, synthetic biology, or a closely related field.
- Proven track record in assay and product development, including converting research concepts into reproducible, scalable methods.
- Strong knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and enzymology, including DNA and RNA.
- Hands-on expertise in nucleic acid manipulation and analysis, including primer and probe design, PCR, isothermal amplification, gene assembly, cloning, qPCR, DNA/RNA purification, and capillary electrophoresis.
- Expertise in liquid handlers and laboratory automation, including method development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with method verification and validation in a product-development setting.
- Ability to lead R&D projects, set priorities, manage timelines, and resolve technical challenges.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or guiding junior scientists or research associates.
- Demonstrated success collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Excellent documentation and communication skills, including preparing data summaries, technical and scientific reports, and SOPs, and transferring procedures to manufacturing.
- Goal-oriented, hands-on, innovative approach to problem solving; self-motivated and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of protein synthesis, protein characterization, and affinity assays.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS), especially for characterizing synthetic DNA and libraries.
- Experience with Beckman and Hamilton liquid-handling systems.
- Familiarity with automated laboratory systems and electronic documentation systems (ELN/LIMS).
- Experience transferring workflows to automated, large-scale manufacturing in an ISO 9001-compliant environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead bench-based research to design, develop, and optimize molecular biology products and services using GenScript’s proprietary high-throughput DNA synthesis platform.
- Develop next-generation gene synthesis technologies and associated assays to simplify workflows and improve performance, quality, cost, safety, and scalability.
- Lead product and process development to expand capabilities in gene assembly, DNA library construction, next-generation cloning, and DNA amplification.
- Assist in managing R&D projects from concept through technology transfer, including defining scope, experimental strategies, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and success criteria; tracking progress; identifying risks; and coordinating mitigation plans.
- Supervise, mentor, and train junior scientists and research associates; set objectives, guide experimental design and troubleshooting, review data and documentation, and provide feedback.
- Coordinate day-to-day research activities and prioritize experimental work across assigned projects.
- Lead technology transfer to manufacturing and collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams on product launches and continuous process improvement in an ISO 9001-compliant environment.
- Develop and optimize automated workflows that translate research methods into robust, reproducible, scalable production processes.
- Collaborate with bioinformatics, chemistry, and other functions to translate research advances into reagent and service offerings.
- Evaluate experimental data, draw actionable conclusions, and communicate findings, project progress, risks, and recommendations through presentations, reports, and team updates.
- Author and review technology transfer packages, SOPs, analytical reports, invention disclosures, and patent applications.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
- 401(k) and retirement savings plan; the 401(k) company match vests fully on day one.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Paid parental leave after three months of employment.
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and company holidays.
- Compassionate leave and jury duty leave.
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
- Life and AD&D insurance.
- Legal assistance.
- Supplemental pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance plans.
- Commuter benefits.
- Well-being initiatives and peer-to-peer recognition programs.
- Free colleague meals during shift.
- Onsite gyms.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
