Senior Research Associate, Plasmid Engineering & DNA Production

Signify Bio; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Signify Bio is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our RNA Platform team. You will own plasmid design, assemble constructs, perform transformations, and prep high-yield DNA for downstream mRNA synthesis, reporting to the Senior Scientist of Molecular Biology.

You will scale plasmid production, verify sequences, and help standardize SOPs to improve yield, purity, and turnaround times as we bring DNA template manufacturing fully in-house.

Qualifications

• BS in Molecular Biology or MS in a related field with hands-on lab experience.
• Experience with modern cloning methods (Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway).
• Experience in plasmid purification at various scales; endotoxin removal knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Plasmid synthesis & assembly using cloning workflows.
• Scale plasmid DNA production (Miniprep to Megaprep) for internal mRNA workflows.
• Perform DNA QC: Sanger, gel, Nanodrop, Qubit, fragment analysis.

Skills

Cloning

Plasmid Prep

Analytical Techniques

Molecular Biology

Education

B.S. in Molecular Biology

M.S. in Related Field

Tools

Benchling

SnapGene

Job description

Signify Bio is a biotechnology company transforming the development of in situ protein therapeutics by leveraging the human body’s natural ability to produce proteins. Guided by its mission to create personalized medicines for all, Signify combines the precision of signal peptide engineered control with the speed and versatility of mRNA encoded design. The company’s SEND platform and iPhos lipid nanoparticles enable targeted and localized delivery of therapeutic proteins, addressing significant unmet needs across various diseases. Through innovative science, Signify Bio is committed to advancing solutions that make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.

At Signify, we bring together collaborative teams, innovative science, and a shared commitment to addressing meaningful unmet patient needs. Employees have the opportunity to work across disciplines, contribute to cutting-edge therapeutic programs, and help translate scientific discoveries into potential medicines. We value scientific rigor, open communication, curiosity, and teamwork, and we encourage every team member to contribute ideas, take ownership, and grow alongside the organization.

Position Summary

We seek an initiative-taking and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to join our growing RNA Platform team. As part of our initiative to internalize our DNA/plasmid workflow, this individual will serve as the dedicated owner of the plasmid synthesis, cloning, and production pipeline—the essential upstream foundation for all downstream mRNA synthesis at Signify. Reporting directly to the Senior Scientist of Molecular Biology, the Senior RA you will be responsible for end-to-end plasmid design, construct assembly, bacterial transformation, high-yield plasmid prep, sequence verification, and linearization for in vitro transcription (IVT).

• Plasmid Synthesis & Assembly: Execute molecular cloning workflows using state-of-the-art methods (e.g., Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate, site-directed mutagenesis, and traditional restriction digest/ligation) to engineer custom plasmid constructs.
• Internal Plasmid Production: Scale up high-quality plasmid DNA manufacturing (Miniprep, Midiprep, Maxiprep, Megaprep) to supply consistent, endotoxin-free template DNA for internal mRNA manufacturing workflows.
• Upstream DNA Quality & Processing: Perform enzymatic linearization, template cleanup, and rigorous QC analysis (Sanger, restriction digests, gel electrophoresis, fluorometric quantification) prior to IVT reaction hand-offs.
• Process Optimization & Internalization: Help build, streamline, and standardize internal plasmid production SOPs to maximize yield, purity, and turnaround times as we bring DNA template manufacturing fully in-house.
• Inventory & Sample Management: Maintain a centralized plasmid repository, glycerol stock banking system, and detailed documentation in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate closely with the mRNA production team to deliver customized DNA templates on schedule to support platform development and therapeutic program milestones.

Qualifications – Education

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field with 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience (industry preferred); OR
• M.S. with 3+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience.

Qualifications – Work Experience & Skills

• Expertise in Cloning: Proven hands-on record with modern cloning methodologies (Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway) and primer/construct design using software tools (e.g., Benchling, SnapGene).
• Plasmid Prep at Scale: Extensive hands-on experience with small to large-scale plasmid isolation and purification systems (including endotoxin removal protocols).
• Analytical Techniques: Mastery of standard analytical methods for DNA verification (agarose gel electrophoresis, Nanodrop, Qubit, fragment analysis, and interpretation of Sanger sequencing data).
• Molecular Biology Fundamentals: Deep technical understanding of plasmid biology, bacterial strain selection, antibiotic selection markers, and promoter/UTR architecture.

Physical Requirements

Position requires the physical ability to work in a lab setting and utilize standard lab equipment for extended periods of time. Occasional travel (<10%) may be required, typically domestic.

Signify Bio is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.