Process Development Associate

Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc.; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc. in Emeryville, CA, is seeking a Process Development Associate to move molecular biology methods from R&D into robust, scalable production-ready processes.

You will join the Technical Operations team, applying design of experiments and data-driven analysis to drive speed, cost, and quality improvements. You will work hands-on at the bench, transfer methods, optimize processes, and partner with R&D, Automation, Manufacturing, and QA to ensure successful tech transfer and

Qualifications

• BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field.
• 1–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry).
• Strong foundational skills in DNA cloning, manipulation, and analysis.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers (eg. Hamilton, Tecan, Echo, iDOT).
• Meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation.
• A proactive, can-do attitude and adaptability to shifting priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Partner with R&D to transfer newly developed molecular biology methods into production-ready, reproducible processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects using process and cost data to prioritize impact.
• Perform DNA cloning and manipulation (PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, RCA, assembly, transformation, gel analysis, purification).
• Maintain thorough, well-organized lab notebooks and documentation.
• Analyze data rigorously and present findings to the team.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA cloning

Experiment design

Data analysis

Lab documentation

Cross-functional communication

Automation familiarity

Education

BS in molecular biology

MS in molecular biology

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Echo

iDOT

Job description

Ansa Biotechnologies is redefining how scientists access synthetic DNA. Our proprietary enzymatic DNA synthesis platform enables the production of long, complex, sequence-perfect DNA - up to 50 kb clonal products - that traditional chemical synthesis cannot achieve. Backed by over $54M in Series B funding, we are scaling our technology to serve researchers in synthetic biology, gene therapy, and biopharma. Learn more at ansabio.com.

The Role

We are looking for a Process Development Associate to join our Technical Operations team. You will use rigorous experimental design and molecular biology expertise to take newly developed methods from R&D and turn them into robust, scalable, production-ready processes - then keep improving them. If you're excited to work hands-on at the bench, dig into data to find root causes, and partner across R&D, Automation, Manufacturing, and QA to raise the bar on speed, cost, and quality, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Partner with R&D to transfer newly developed molecular biology methods into reproducible, production-ready processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects, using process and cost data to prioritize and measure impact
• Perform DNA cloning and manipulation (PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, rolling-circle amplification, assembly (eg Gibson, Golden-gate, etc), transformation, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification and quantification)
• Maintain thorough, well-organized lab notebooks and experimental documentation
• Analyze data rigorously and present findings to the team
• Partner with QA/QC to ensure process changes are validated and meet quality standards before rollout
• Work hands-on alongside R&D, Manufacturing, Automation, and Informatics

What We're Looking For

Required:

• BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field
• 1-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry)
• Strong foundational skills in DNA cloning, manipulation, and analysis
• Experience with automated liquid handlers (eg. Hamilton, Tecan, Echo, iDOT)
• Meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation
• A proactive, can-do attitude. You're ready to jump in and execute wherever the work takes you, adapting quickly as priorities shift
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical findings and process changes to cross-functional partners in R&D, Manufacturing, Automation, and QA.
• Ability to learn new techniques and concepts quickly

Preferred:

• Experience with process development, method optimization, scale-up, or technology transfer
• Experience working in a high throughput manufacturing environment
• Exposure to enzymatic assays or nucleic acid biochemistry
• Comfort working with ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-moving R&D environment