Senior Synthetic Biologist (Manager)

Key Responsibilities include:

• Bring expertise with versatile gene editing tools allowing knock-in, knock-out, silencing and other genetic manipulation activities

• Have an excellent understanding of standard wet lab activities related to engineering, testing and cell culture of mammalian and/or non-mammalian animal cells

• Understand intricacies of flow cytometry and be able to apply results to drive experiments forward

• Design, produce, and test novel gene editing constructs using molecular cloning and other techniques based on robust, well-controlled scientific experiments (including plasmid digestion, purification, ligation, transformation, and sequencing)

• Holding and sharing a strong understanding of in vitro transcription to produce RNA from DNA templates

• Holding and sharing a strong understanding of DNA/RNA extraction and downstream analytical assays such as qPCR and RT-qPCR

• Assist in development of strategy and methods for primary and iPSC-derived cell culture, transfection, and cell-based assays

• Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, develop and adapt new protocols, and query literature to incorporate additional assays as needed

• Stay abreast of new and emerging synthetic biology tools and technologies via frequent literature reviews and periodically attending scientific conferences

• Independently plan and execute experiments and mentor team members on facets of experimental design

• Document all experimental planning, progress, experimental data and genetic designs in electronic lab notebook, present research design and results to multi-disciplinary teams and leadership

• Create and review experimental workflows and collect quantitative measurements for engineered cells including flow cytometry and multi-omics techniques

• Manage a team of scientists including bioinformatisticians and synthetic biologists to perform multi-omic discovery, draw meaningful conclusions from data generated and analyzed, and direct synthetic biology workflows from the results

• Analyze and distill insight from complex molecular data streams generated by own or other teams

• Collaborate frequently with computational biologists, protein engineers and cell biologists to incorporate biological design principles and experimental datasets into the synthetic biology product development pipeline

• Test and characterize molecular and cellular system targets using biochemistry, molecular biology and/or genetic approaches

• Leverage knowledge of gene editing technologies to contribute scientifically to goals and strategy

• Build out synthetic biology lab infrastructure

• Develop and perform high-throughput pooled and arrayed functional genomic screens using high-dimensional genomic and cell-based functional readouts such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, flow cytometry, and high-content cell imaging in a matrix collaborative setting

• Perform on- & off-target genome editing analysis using NGS-based sequencing methods.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities & qualifications:

• PhD in biological or physical sciences or engineering discipline + 10 years of relevant post-graduate experience, or MS with 15 years of relevant post-graduate research experience.

• Hands-on experience in genome editing experiments and analysis

• Experience using bioinformatic and molecular biology software to select gRNA and design plasmid constructs

• Solid cell and molecular biology concepts on mammalian or non-mammalian animal genome structure and organization and the control of gene expression and DNA repair

• Experience in animal cell culture and functional assay development

• Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals or scientific conferences

• Excellent communication and presentation skills to both technical and non-technical colleagues

• Cross-functional work experience and highly collaborative attitude

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced, start-up environment

• Demonstrated strong competence, hands-on experience and experimental design with a multitude of research techniques and methodologies in related field(s)

• Manages, mentors and motivates staff

• Applies conceptual knowledge to drive individual and group performance

• Navigates change and establishes high performance standards

• Sets appropriate timelines and expectations for self and team members

• Delegates effectively

• Sets direction in ambiguous and challenging situations

• Applies scientific foundation to implement and drive change

• Becomes knowledge resource for complex projects

• Strong ability to identify and implement clear objectives for projects and team members as appropriate

• Demonstrated ability to multitask, work in a dynamic and diverse project environment, and adapt to changing priorities

• Ability to perform multiple technical tasks independently

• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain a detailed electronic laboratory notebook

• Ability to work independently and as a team member

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Ability to record and analyze data and interpret acceptability of data results

• High degree of computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)