Scientist

Avery Bio; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge biotechnology company based in San Diego, CA, is seeking an Electrokinetic Scientist to develop innovative methods for the electrically controlled transport of DNA. The role focuses on using novel technologies within a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess strong skills in electrokinetics and programming. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking developments in synthetic biology and is rooted in an inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong collaborative skills in technical environments.
• Flexibility and initiative in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience with process controls is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative methods for DNA manipulation.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers in system development.
• Drive development of novel applications for DNA transport.

Skills

Electrokinetic mass transport techniques

Computational modelling (COMSOL Multiphysics)

Programming (Python, MATLAB)

Microscopy techniques

Statistical analysis

Laboratory techniques

Programming for automation

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Biophysics, Bioengineering, or related

MS with 5+ years relevant experience

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

Avery is a trailblazer in developing transformative technologies to solve the world’s most pressing biological and industrial challenges. We are building the world’s first fully automated genetic engineering platform—an end-to-end system that integrates novel semiconductor-based chips to scale the synthesis, assembly, and testing of genetic components in both cell-free and cellular environments. This unified platform bridges the digital and biological realms, enabling unprecedented speed and precision in bioengineering. Our mission is to revolutionize industries—from drug discovery and precision medicine to advanced materials and sustainable agriculture—by unlocking the full potential of programmable biology.

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of biotechnology and want to work at the cutting edge of science and engineering, we’d love to hear from you. Help us unlock and accelerate the engineering of life.

Scientist

As a Electrokinetic Scientist, you will bring the expertise to develop innovative methods for electrically controlled transport and assembly of DNA. This all-electronic manipulation of DNA is central to the Avery platform, and this work offers the opportunity to make large contributions to the transformative technology we are developing at Avery. You will contribute to developing and implementing these methodologies for use on multiple chip-based devices that construct and transport DNA payloads within the Avery genetic engineering platform. You will also help drive the development of novel applications built upon the capabilities of these core DNA manipulation capabilities. This role requires close collaboration with other scientists and engineers across diverse system development teams to meet overall technical and business goals. You should be comfortable working across disciplines, working in a fast-paced, agile development environment, and communicating complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

This role requires a strong background in electrokinetics and electrohydrodynamics in microfluidic device settings. Preferred qualifications for this role include one or more of the following:

• Ability to induce electrokinetic mass transport of molecules on microfluidic chips (e.g., electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis, electroosmosis).
• Knowledge of processes and techniques related to DNA gene assembly.
• Ability to model transport phenomena using computational modelling tools (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics).
• Experience using epifluorescence microscopy to image transport phenomena.
• Experience in rigorous design of scientific experiments for development (e.g. DOE).
• Working knowledge of programming for instrument automation, image processing, and statistical analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Arduino, R, JMP, OpenCV, ImageJ).
• Familiarity with basic chemical, biological, or microfluidic laboratory techniques.
• Industry experience developing synthetic biology methods.
• Ability to communicate innovative scientific concepts, as demonstrated by a successful track record of publications, patents, and/or grants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education

• A PhD degree in Biophysics, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, ideally with at least two years of post-doctoral or industry experience relevant to synthetic biology. The candidate may instead hold an MS degree with at least five years of relevant experience.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a willingness to contribute in cross-disciplinary technical environments.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, start-up environments, showing flexibility, initiative, and a growth-oriented mindset.
• Experience implementing process controls and spec setting in a product development environment is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Under standard working conditions, this position is based in San Diego, CA.
• The candidate must be willing and able report to work at the San Diego, CA office.
• The candidate must be willing and able to sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• The candidate must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and perform repetitive tasks, such as lifting, standing, pipetting, preparing samples, and operating equipment, for extended periods.
• The candidate must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment.
• The candidate will be exposed to hazardous materials and other workplace hazards in accordance with all safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.

Avery is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.