Scientist I - Oligo Synthesis

SGS Consulting; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS Consulting is seeking a PhD-level scientist with extensive synthetic biology experience to independently plan, design, and execute experiments for high-quality nucleic acid material for mRNA vaccine production.

The role involves mRNA target development, DNA template production, QC, data analysis, and collaboration with automation engineers to meet high-throughput requirements. Strong programming experience (Python/SQL/R) is a plus and mentorship is expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of post‑graduate experience in synthetic biology with oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library prep, analysis and optimization.
• Hands‑on molecular biology skills in oligo synthesizer, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, Illumina and nanopore NGS platforms, automated liquid handling.
• Expertise in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (Geneious, SnapGene, Benchling)
• Experience with analytical and molecular biology methods relevant to DNA work.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments to prepare nucleic acid material for mRNA vaccine production.
• Participate in mRNA vaccine target development, DNA template production, QC and data analysis.
• Develop and optimize new synthetic biology techniques and workflows.
• Collaborate with automation engineers to automate gene synthesis workflows for high throughput.
• Utilize software tools to automate DNA designs and NGS data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members; primarily lab-based role.

Skills

PhD research experience

Molecular biology synthesis

NA sequence analysis tools

DNA work analytics

Education

Ph.D. in synthetic biology

Tools

Oligo synthesizer

PCR

Gibson & Golden Gate Assembly

Illumina

Nanopore sequencing

Hamilton liquid handler

Job description

Job Responsibilities:

• Independently plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments to construct and prepare high quality of nucleic acid material for mRNA vaccine production.
• Take part in mRNA vaccine target development, DNA template production, QC and data analysis.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new synthetic biology technology and optimize existing techniques and workflows to meet goals.
• Collaborate with Automation engineers to automate the gene synthesis workflow, meet the high throughput requirements.
• Utilize software tools to automate DNA designs, NGS data analysis.
• Function in highly collaborative cross functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations to management and other stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members as needed.
• This will be primarily a lab-based position.

Skills:

• Ph.D. with 2+ year of post‑graduate experience in synthetic biology field with extensive experience in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library prep, analysis and process optimization.
• Hands‑on molecular biology skills in oligo synthesizer, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, Illumina and nanopore NGS platform, automated liquid handler Hamilton etc.
• Expertise in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (Geneious, Snapgene, Benchling etc).
• Expertise in analytical and molecular biology methods relevant to DNA work.

Education/Experience:

• Ph.D. with 2+ year of post‑graduate experience in synthetic biology field with extensive experience in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library prep, analysis and process optimization.
• Desire to work in a team‑first, fast‑paced environment, learn new skills, and to efficiently solve problems.
• Attention to detail & meticulous record keeping
• Hands‑on molecular biology skills in oligo synthesizer, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate Assembly, Illumina and nanopore NGS platform, automated liquid handler Hamilton etc.
• Expertise in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (Geneious, Snapgene, Benchling etc).
• Some experience in programing such as Python, SQL, R.
• Expertise in analytical and molecular biology methods relevant to DNA work.
• Contract research labs: setting up research agreements and managing externalized research and tech transfer activities.
• Plus: experience in programing such as Python, SQL, R.