Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology

GenScript ProBio • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

GenScript is seeking a motivated, experienced scientist with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology and synthetic biology, a product-development mindset, and the ability to build technologies and workflows from the ground up. As a key member of a small, collaborative R&D team, the scientist will lead development of molecular biology products and technologies, particularly gene synthesis and DNA library construction using GenScript’s high-throughput DNA synthesis platforms.

The role combines bench research, technical leadership, supervision of junior team members, and management of R&D projects from concept and feasibility assessment through process development, technology transfer, and commercialization. The scientist will help establish robust, scalable workflows for automated, large-scale production and collaborate with bioinformatics, chemistry, manufacturing, and quality teams. The position is based in Seattle, Washington, and reports to the Project Lead.

Requirements

• A degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related discipline, together with one of the following: a bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant industry experience; a master’s degree and at least 5 years; or a Ph.D. and at least 3 years.
• 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 improve workflows, performance, quality, cost, safety, and scalability.
• Lead new product and process development 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 project scope, experimental strategies, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and success criteria.
• Track project progress, identify technical risks, and coordinate mitigation plans.
• Supervise, mentor, and train junior scientists and research associates; 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 in collaboration with manufacturing and quality teams, supporting product launches and continuous process improvement in an ISO 9001-compliant environment.
• Develop and optimize automated workflows for robust, reproducible, scalable production.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics, chemistry, and other functions to translate research advances into reagent and service offerings.
• Evaluate experimental data and communicate findings, progress, risks, and recommendations through presentations, reports, and team updates.
• Author and review technical documentation, including technology transfer packages, SOPs, analytical reports, invention disclosures, and patent applications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match that vests fully on day one.
• Paid parental leave after three months of employment.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and company holidays.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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