Scientist - Molecular Biologist/Synthetic Biologist

Company Description

Novel Biotechnology USA, Inc, located in Portland, OR, is the US-based arm of Novel Biotechnology, Inc, a biotech company on a mission to develop new solutions for manufacturing plasmid DNA. Plasmid DNA is a critical starting material for gene therapy, cell engineering, mRNA therapy and vaccine applications. We are developing manufacturing platforms that are safe, scalable, adaptable to different plasmid backbones and payloads, have improved product quality, and are many times more productive than existing systems. We also provide molecular cloning and plasmid production services to a growing base of clients.

Job Description

Do you like to design and build complex DNA constructs? Do you have a knack for operational efficiency and streamlining laboratory processes? Do you want to enter the ground floor of an exciting biotech startup and wear multiple hats? We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist with significant experience in molecular cloning and synthetic biology to join our Bioservices Division to support our clients and partners by providing them with high-quality DNA constructs in a timely fashion. As an early member of our US-based technology team, you will be part of a fast-paced and results-focused team of experienced scientists. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about laboratory bench work, is capable of leading projects, exhibits meticulous attention to detail, is comfortable taking on new challenges, demonstrates an eagerness to learn new techniques, will work collaboratively with others, and is comfortable working in a highly dynamic and rapidly scaling company.

Requirements:

• PhD Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biotechnology or related discipline (Masters will be considered with multiple years of relevant experience).
• 5 years of research experience (industry experience preferred).
• Experience designing DNA constructs and analyzing DNA sequencing data using software like Geneious, Vector NTI, or CLC Genomics Workbench.
• Strong hands-on proficiency in molecular cloning techniques including PCR, Golden Gate, and Gibson Assembly) is REQUIRED.
• Experience with high-throughput cloning employing automation is a strong plus.
• Experience in microbiological aseptic techniques and clonal propagation.
• A strong understanding of molecular/cell biology and genetic engineering principles.
• Hands-on experience with microbial genome engineering is a strong plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Generates detailed and complete experimental reports, presents data-supported conclusions in written and oral reports, and meticulously captures data in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Track record of leading and delivering on highly technical scientific projects with aggressive timelines.
• Ability to work flexibly in a collaborative and dynamic environment, and able to adapt to changing project demands, including a willingness to take on and perform a wide range of duties.
• Motivated learner, capable of quickly getting up to speed on new techniques, methods, and/or biological systems.
• Passionate and excited about scientific advancement with a strong commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and/or contribute to a wide range of customer or internal programs involving construction, scale up, and analytical characterization of plasmid DNA.
• Design and execute complex molecular cloning and genetic engineering experiments with minimal supervision.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, present data at meetings, provide conclusions and outline future work plans.
• Troubleshoot experiments and identify abnormal or unexpected trends in data.
• Capture experimental results in electronic lab notebook entries and certificates of analysis.
• Improve existing laboratory processes and workflows to make them faster, cheaper, and more robust.
• Prepare standard operating procedures and train junior laboratory staff on laboratory processes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and functional laboratory environment.
• Track laboratory inventory to ensure necessary consumables and reagents are on hand.
• Works in accordance with relevant health and safety guidelines.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• What specifically excites you about this job opportunity?
• Do you have significant, direct experience building plasmid DNA with Gibson Assembly or Golden Gate Assembly? Please describe your experience (types of methods, number of years, etc.).
• Do you have experience using software to design or analyze DNA constructs (such as Geneious)?
• If you were made an offer, how soon would you be able to start?

Work Location: In person