Senior/Staff RD System Integration Scientist - Electrochemical Enzymatic DNA Synthesis

AtlasBase; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

AtlasBase is seeking a Sr./Staff R&D Systems Integration Scientist in South San Francisco to lead early-stage integration of enzymatic DNA synthesis on CMOS chips. You will bridge chemistry, surface science, microfluidics, software automation, and hardware, owning prototype testbeds and data-driven workflows.

You will mentor junior staff, drive platform performance from research through to product-facing integration, and help transfer key technologies to scalable manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Fluidic Engineering, Chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of industry R&D for MS; minimum 5 years for PhD.
• Leading assay-to-instrument translation from bio-hardware to product development.
• System-level troubleshooting across bio-instrumentation, fluidics, and bio-electronic interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional integration of CMOS chip-based enzymatic DNA synthesis workflows.
• Translate assay concepts into automated CMOS chip synthesis platforms.
• Perform failure-mode analysis across hardware, fluidics, surface chemistry and electrochemistry.
• Drive robustness and repeatability of enzymatic DNA synthesis on prototypes and breadboards.
• Mentor junior researchers and coordinate with hardware and software teams.
• Transfer technology from research integration to product-facing stages.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Python scripting

Experimental design

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrochemical/Chemical/Biomedical/Fluidic Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Python

Job description

About AtlasBase

AtlasBase is a fast-growing pioneer in Molecular Computing, bridging the gap between traditional IT and biotechnology. We are redefining global IT infrastructure by driving breakthroughs in both Molecular Compute and Molecular Data Storage. By commercializing synthetic DNA-based technologies at IT scale, AtlasBase delivers ultra-high-density, low-maintenance, and carbon-conscious solutions built for the explosive growth and value of the world's data. Leveraging nature’s most durable medium, we provide a virtually permanent foundation that transforms how the world processes and secures its most critical information.

About AtlasBase

AtlasBase is a fast-growing pioneer in Molecular Computing, bridging the gap between traditional IT and biotechnology. We are redefining global IT infrastructure by driving breakthroughs in both Molecular Compute and Molecular Data Storage. By commercializing synthetic DNA-based technologies at IT scale, AtlasBase delivers ultra-high-density, low-maintenance, and carbon-conscious solutions built for the explosive growth and value of the world's data. Leveraging nature’s most durable medium, we provide a virtually permanent foundation that transforms how the world processes and secures its most critical information.
Originally spun out of Twist Bioscience, our team is an elite fusion of scientists, engineers, and operators dedicated to solving some of the most complex infrastructure challenges on Earth. While our work is grounded in deep science, our success depends on world-class talent across every discipline. To accelerate our platform development, we are seeking a hands-on Sr. / Staff R&D Systems Integration Scientist to lead the early-stage integration of our electrochemical enzymatic DNA synthesis platform on CMOS chips.

About The Role

In this pivotal role, you will serve as the cross-functional technical lead bridging chemistry, surface science, microfluidics, software automation, and CMOS hardware. You will own the hands-on system integration of prototype testbeds, custom software scripts, and fluidic controls to reliably execute enzymatic DNA synthesis on chip. You will drive platform performance from early-stage research integration through product-facing integration, process documentation, and technology transfer.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a major contributor to the development, optimization, and system-level troubleshooting of CMOS chip-based enzymatic DNA synthesis workflows and electrochemical synthesis protocols, including chip handling, hardware configuration, and software integration.
  
• Drive the assay-to-instrument translation of complex enzymatic synthesis and electrochemical deblock onto automated CMOS chip-based synthesis platforms.
  
• Execute rigorous failure-mode analysis to systematically identify, diagnose, and resolve multi-variable root causes across hardware, fluidics, surface chemistry, and electrochemistry.
  
• Establish experimental and operational strategies to maximize enzymatic DNA synthesis workflow robustness, repeatability, and synthesis fidelity on integrated breadboard and prototype testbeds.
  
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineering and software teams to improve, and iterate prototype testbeds, integrating chemistry, fluidics, and hardware systems.
  
• Analyze complex experimental data using molecular biology, organic chemistry techniques, and automated scripting tools.
  
• Drive technology transfer from early-stage research integration to product-facing integration.
  
• Help define and execute scientific and technical objectives aligned with company goals, while mentoring junior research associates and engineers.
  

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Fluidic Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
  
• Minimum 8 years of industry R&D experience for candidates holding a Master's degree or minimum 5 years of industry R&D experience for candidates holding a Doctoral degree.
  
• Demonstrated track record of leading assay-to-instrument translation, taking novel bio-hardware, microfluidics, surface chemistry, or single-molecule/microarray platforms through early research into product development.
  
• Extensive experience in system-level troubleshooting and failure-mode analysis across complex bio-instrumentation, fluidics, and bio-electronic interfaces.
  
• Proven capability in evaluating and optimizing biological workflow robustness to ensure reproducible performance across automated platforms.
  
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary project teams or direct management and mentorship of junior scientist and research associates.
  
• Creative and detail-oriented personality with exceptional analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
  
• Exceptional collaboration skills and ability to work seamlessly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  

Preferred Qualifications & Bonuses

• Deep, hands-on expertise in advanced electrochemical techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, ac voltammetry, chronoamperometry) and sensor characterization on solid substrates.
  
• Direct hands-on experience with enzymatic DNA synthesis chemistries, oligonucleotide microarray platforms, or single-molecule biosensing instruments.
  
• Practical proficiency with Python, or software scripting tools for instrument automation, liquid handling, hardware control, or pipeline data processing.
  

The Pay Range For This Role Is

150,000 - 175,000 USD per year(HQ)