Lead Manufacturing Associate, DNA Synthesis - SWING SHIFT

Ansa Biotechnologies; California (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health benefits

Training

Collaborative environment

Frontier biotech

Job summary

Ansa Biotechnologies is seeking a manufacturing-focused technician to operate DNA synthesis instruments, prepare reagents, and maintain traceable records in a fast-growing biotech environment.

You will join a cross-functional team of chemists, enzymologists, and automation experts, following SOPs and contributing to scalable manufacturing pipelines.

Swing shift hours 3pm–11:30pm; training will be during the day; the role offers equity and a collaborative, frontier-biotech culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years handling and/or managing complex instrumentation in life sciences.
• Experience operating lab equipment and custom-built instruments per SOPs.
• Experience formulating critical reagents and following strict QC procedures.
• Knowledge of molecular cloning and bacterial cell culture from education or hands-on work.
• Familiarity with liquid handling robots and high-throughput manufacturing tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate DNA synthesizer systems with SOPs, ensuring high accuracy and consistency.
• Prepare reagents and buffers, run synthesis instruments, and perform cloning and cell culture tasks.
• Maintain thorough records for sample traceability using LIMS and other systems.
• Update SOPs and work instructions as needed to reflect current processes.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, tech transfer, and development teams to scale processes.
• Contribute to designing and scaling next-generation manufacturing systems.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.
• Promote clear communication and collaborative teamwork across diverse groups.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Problem solving

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Agilent Bravo

Job description

Our mission at Ansa Biotechnologies is to revolutionize the way we make DNA. Compared to reading or editing life’s code, writing new code from scratch has remained one of the field’s most elusive challenges. At Ansa, we are putting nature to work, creating novel enzymatic solutions that will redefine how we build DNA. We believe that the biggest challenges our world faces will be solved using biotechnology and that DNA synthesis is the fuel for that transformation. Our enzyme-based approach (published in Nature Biotechnology) promises to dramatically accelerate innovation in biological research and biotechnology, including therapeutics, diagnostics, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology. We look forward to our DNA products making an impact.

We believe lab automation facilitates novel synthetic biology applications through the synthesis of high-quality DNA at scale. In this role, you would accelerate the rate of discovery by developing and utilizing automated systems to dramatically impact synthetic biology. As one of the first members of our manufacturing team, you will have the opportunity to help build and support a growing and critical part of our operations. Beyond manufacturing, you will be a part of a dynamic, cross-functional, highly collaborative team operating at the interface between chemists, synthetic chemists, enzymologists, and automation experts.

If you have a passion for the life sciences and the fundamental components of new technology, this job is for you!
Currently hiring for SWING SHIFT only. Hours will 3pm-11:30pm. Training will be during the day.

Responsibilities

• Custom DNA synthesizer operation using standard operating procedures (SOPs) with high attention-to-detail and consistency.
• Regular activities include reagent and buffer preparation / QC, configuration and operation of proprietary DNA synthesis instruments, as well as cloning and cell culture work.
• Maintain careful records of work for sample traceability using custom LIMS and existing record-keeping systems.
• Update and maintain documentation (SOPs) and work instructions as needed.
• Leverage new protocols and implement into a rapidly scaling manufacturing pipeline working alongside a multidisciplinary team (manufacturing personnel, technology transfer & development departments).
• Work with teammates to design and scale next generation manufacturing systems for Ansa’s growing manufacturing platform.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs and stand for long periods of time.
• Collaborating in a team environment: At Ansa, communication between teams is critical–our technology is built on enzymes, chemistry, and automation. Additionally, we believe that honesty and openness are an instrumental part of the scientific endeavor.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience handling and/or managing complex instrumentation in the life sciences industry.
• Proven track-record of operating laboratory equipment and custom-built instruments following SOPs and directions for both simple and highly complex processes.
• Experience formulating critical reagents and following strict QC procedures to evaluate them.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with molecular cloning and bacterial cell culture gained through education or hands on industry experience.
• Working knowledge of liquid handling robots (ie. Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent Bravo) and other similar high throughput manufacturing tools.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a multidisciplinary environment with tight deadlines and specifications.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to clearly discuss and present technical concepts and results.
• Commitment to demonstrating kindness, respect, and collaboration with a diverse set of colleagues of different backgrounds and disciplines.

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly pay and equity.
• Generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A collaborative and innovative work environment
• The opportunity to be part of a company at the forefront of synthetic biology and innovation

San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range
$38-$47/hr