Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology

GenScript; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

GenScript Biotech Corporation in Seattle seeks a Senior Scientist / Research Scientist in molecular biology to lead development of innovative gene synthesis and DNA library technologies. You will supervise junior scientists and manage cross-functional R&D projects from concept to manufacturing transfer.

The role emphasizes automating workflows, scaling production, and collaborating with bioinformatics, chemistry, and quality teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in assay and product development.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and enzymology.
• Hands-on expertise in PCR, isothermal amplification, gene assembly, cloning, qPCR, and DNA/RNA purification.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of molecular biology products and technologies.
• Develop gene synthesis & DNA library construction workflows.
• Manage R&D projects from concept to transfer to manufacturing.
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists and research associates.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics, chemistry, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

Research leadership

Nucleic acid manipulation

qPCR

NGS

Laboratory automation

Education

PhD or higher in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Synthetic Biology

Master’s degree with 5+ years relevant experience

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years relevant experience

Tools

Beckman instruments

Hamilton robotics

ELN/LIMS

DNA synthesis platforms

Job description

Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology

Seattle, Washington, United States

About GenScript

Founded in 2002 in New Jersey, GenScript Biotech Corporation accelerates innovation in biotech and healthcare by providing researchers and companies with the building blocks needed to develop groundbreaking treatments and products. Guided by its mission to Make People and Nature Healthier Through Biotechnology, and its role as a well-recognized biotechnology company, GenScript has a team of approximately 6,165 employees and has served more than 200,000 customers across over 100 countries and regions.

Position: Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology

Location: Seattle, WA

Reporting to: Project Lead

Role Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology and synthetic biology, a strong product-development mindset, and the ability to build new technologies and workflows from the ground up.

As a key member of a small, collaborative R&D team, this scientist will lead the development of innovative molecular biology products and technologies, with a particular focus on gene synthesis and DNA library construction using GenScript’s proprietary high-throughput DNA synthesis platforms. The role combines bench-based research, technical leadership, supervision of junior team members, and management of R&D projects from concept and feasibility assessment through process development, technology transfer, and commercialization.

The successful candidate will help establish robust, scalable workflows that enable automated, large-scale production while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners in bioinformatics, chemistry, manufacturing, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bench-based research to design, develop, and optimize molecular biology products and services using GenScript’s proprietary high-throughput DNA synthesis platform.
• Develop next-generation gene synthesis technologies and associated assays to simplify workflows and improve performance, quality, cost, safety, and scalability.
• Lead new product and process development to expand capabilities in gene assembly, DNA library construction, next-generation cloning, and DNA amplification.
• Assist to manage R&D projects from concept through technology transfer, defining project scope, experimental strategies, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and success criteria. Track progress, identify technical risks, and coordinate mitigation plans to support timely execution.
• Supervise, mentor, and train junior scientists and research associates. Set clear objectives, guide experimental design and troubleshooting, review data and documentation, and provide regular feedback to support scientific development and accountability.
• Coordinate day-to-day research activities and prioritize experimental work across assigned projects in alignment with team objectives and available resources.
• Lead technology transfer to manufacturing, collaborating with manufacturing and quality teams to support successful product launches and continuous process improvement in an ISO 9001-compliant environment.
• Develop and optimize automated workflows that translate research methods into robust, reproducible, and scalable production processes.
• Collaborate with colleagues in bioinformatics, chemistry, and other key functions to translate research advances into competitive reagent and service offerings.
• Critically evaluate experimental data, draw actionable conclusions, and communicate scientific findings, project progress, risks, and recommendations through presentations, reports, and team updates.
• Author and review technical documentation, including technology transfer packages, standard operating procedures (SOPs), analytical reports, invention disclosures, and patent applications.

Qualifications

Education

• A degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related discipline, with one of the following combinations of education and relevant industry experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.
  • D. with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record in assay and product development, including turning research concepts into reproducible, scalable methods.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and enzymology, including DNA and RNA. Knowledge of protein synthesis, protein characterization, and affinity assays is a plus.
• Hands-on expertise in nucleic acid manipulation and analysis, including primer and probe design, PCR, isothermal amplification, gene assembly, cloning, qPCR, DNA/RNA purification, and capillary electrophoresis.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is preferred, especially for characterizing synthetic DNA and libraries.
• Expertise in liquid handlers and laboratory automation, including method development, optimization, and troubleshooting. Experience with Beckman and Hamilton systems is preferred.
• Experience with method verification and validation in a product-development setting.
• Familiarity with automated laboratory systems and electronic documentation systems (ELN/LIMS) is preferred.
• Experience transferring workflows to automated, large-scale manufacturing in an ISO 9001-compliant environment is preferred.
• Ability to lead R&D projects, including setting priorities, managing timelines, and resolving technical challenges.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or guiding junior scientists or research associates.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, including preparing data summaries, technical and scientific reports, and SOPs, and transferring procedures to manufacturing.
• Goal-oriented, hands-on, and innovative approach to problem solving.
• Self-motivated and passionate, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Medical Insurance/Vision Insurance/Dental Insurance
• 401(k) & Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• New Child Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Company Holidays per year
• Paid Sick Days (earned based on hours worked)
• Compassionate Leave
• Jury Duty Leave
• Personal days
• Onsite gyms

Compensation:
Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000 total compensation, including bonus, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one. We offer paid parental leave after just three (3) months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and company holidays. Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, life and AD&DD insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance, and supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance. We also provide commuter benefits, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs; demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a culture where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

GenScript USA Inc/ProBio Inc. is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the Company's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

GenScript USA Inc./ProBio Inc. maintains a drug-free workplace.