Research Associate, Supervisor Synthesis Production

Mammoth DS, Inc; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Data Storage seeks a Research Associate to supervise the synthesis production team for its CMOS chip-based DNA synthesis platform. You will work hands-on with scientists and engineers to drive early-stage production for data storage applications.

The role involves leading a small production group, developing SOPs, and analyzing QC data to ensure high-quality DNA samples before shipment. Prior experience with nanotechnologies and DNA synthesis is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; 5+ years industry experience desirable.
• Experience with custom instrumentation and operation of new hardware.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers.
• Experience with solid-phase oligonucleotide DNA synthesis (phosphoramidite/enzymatic).
• Experience with DNA characterization techniques (Qubit, Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, CE).
• Knowledge of silicon processing or electrochemistry is a plus.
• Understanding micro-scale processes, physics, and surface chemistry development is a plus.
• Self-learner and multi-hat capability in a small team.
• Experience managing and training small groups of researchers and operators.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise CMOS chip-based DNA synthesis production activities.
• Conduct on-chip DNA synthesis runs, including prep, handling, extraction, PCR and encapsulation.
• Lead hardware operations and scale production while expanding the team as needed.
• Develop and analyze QC data; ensure sample quality before shipment.
• Create and implement SOPs for production; train RAs and Operators to execute them.

Skills

People management

Lab supervision

Process improvement

Data analysis

SOP adherence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Automated liquid handlers

DNA analysis tools

PCR/qPCR

LCMS

NGS

Job description

Research Associate, Supervisor Synthesis Production

About this position

Atlas Data Storage is an information technology company building data storage products leveraging the unique properties of synthetic DNA. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to supervise the building of our production team and lab dedicated to advancing our massively parallel semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform. This position will engage in hands‑on, bench‑level work, and collaborate closely with our Synthesis and Engineering team to provide the early‑stage production of DNA for data storage applications to help develop new customers and products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly support the Atlas’s CMOS chip‑based DNA synthesis, including both Phosphoramidite and Enzymatic workflows as required to support product and customer development needs. This will entail working with scientists, engineers, and business development staff on a daily basis.
• Perform regular on‑chip DNA synthesis runs for customers, encompassing reagent preparation, chip handling, extraction of DNA, and post extraction PCR, aliquotting and encapsulation.
• Responsible for leading operation of all hardware and managing limited scale production, growing team as business demands. Engineering and Biochemistry will provide needed training and support to assure ongoing success.
• Develop and help analyze QC data, utilize data to ensure that completed samples are all of adequate quality before shipment.
• Develop and implement SOPs for production process. Train and manager RAs and Operators to execute the SOPs effectively. Develop processes to reduce turnaround time and optimize production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or another relevant field. 5+ years work experience in an industry setting is desirable.
• Prior experience with custom instrumentation within a workflow: running experiments to characterize either the instrument, chip, or other modules involved in the process. Comfortable in learning to operate new hardware.
• Experience in using a range of automated liquid handlers.
• Experience in research or production of solid phase oligonucleotide (DNA) synthesis (phosphoramidite and/or enzymatic).
• Experience with laboratory techniques including DNA characterization (Qubit, Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, CE), PCR, qPCR, LCMS, NGS, DNA hybridization assay experience – preferred.
• Knowledge of silicon processing techniques or electrochemistry – a plus.
• Understanding of micro‑scale processes, physics, chemistry, surface chemistry development – a plus.
• Self‑learner, self‑starter, with the ability to grasp concepts and techniques on the go. Desire to wear multiple hats within a small unit and develop a well‑rounded multi‑disciplinary profile.
• Experience in effectively managing and training small groups of research associates and operators to develop and maintain production efficiency while ensuring compliance with SOPs and institutional procedures.

Pay range: 75,000 - 110,000 USD per year (HQ)