Lead Manufacturing Associate, DNA Synthesis - SWING SHIFT

Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc.; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Equity

Professional development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc. is hiring to accelerate DNA synthesis and automate manufacturing processes. You will work with a multidisciplinary team of chemists, enzymologists, and automation experts to scale production and develop next-generation manufacturing systems.

The role requires hands-on experience with DNA synthesizers, cloning, and cell culture, and offers an equity-involved, fast-paced environment at the forefront of synthetic biology.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years handling and/or managing complex instrumentation in life sciences.
• Proven track record operating lab equipment and custom-built instruments per SOPs.
• Experience formulating reagents and following strict QC procedures.
• Knowledge of molecular cloning and bacterial cell culture from education or hands-on work.
• Experience with liquid handling robots (Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent Bravo) and similar high-throughput tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate custom DNA synthesizers per SOPs with high attention to detail.
• Prepare reagents and buffers, perform QC, configure instruments, and conduct cloning/cell culture.
• Maintain traceable records using LIMS and existing systems.
• Update SOPs and work instructions as needed.
• Collaborate across manufacturing, tech transfer and development to scale pipelines.
• Design and scale next-generation manufacturing systems with a multidisciplinary team.
• Must lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Foster clear communication and collaboration across diverse teams.

Skills

Laboratory instrumentation

Molecular cloning

Cell culture

Liquid handling robots

Communication

Education

BS in life sciences

Tools

Hamilton robot

Tecan robot

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!

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