Sr Research Associate, Tech Transfer

twistbioscience; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Twist Bioscience in Wilsonville, OR is seeking a Senior Research Associate to perform manual production steps and help optimize processes bridging R&D and operations. The role requires independent execution, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with automation engineers and LIMS developers.

You will design and troubleshoot experiments, prepare SOPs, mentor staff, and contribute to CPI/NPI initiatives while supporting early access orders as automation is developed.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field with relevant experience.
• Hands-on molecular biology techniques, DNA/protein purification, DNA quantification, PCR and related assays.
• Independent work style with sound scientific judgment and cross-functional collaboration.
• Comfort working with R&D, operations, automation engineers, and LIMS developers.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, escalating when plans fall outside established protocols.
• Support the build-out and vetting of new processes ahead of launch with cross-functional teams.
• Perform manual experiments with intent to automate for production processing of new workflows.
• Identify process gaps, bottlenecks, and risks and help implement optimizations.
• Maintain audit-ready records and mentor others on new processes and best practices.
• Operate automated and manual lab equipment and support LIMS data generation and validation.
• Write work instructions and training materials for manufacturing operators.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize data and communicate findings across teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA purification

PCR

Analytical thinking

Independent worker

Education

B.S./M.S. in relevant field

Tools

LIMS systems

SQL

JSON

Antibody characterization

DNA quantification

Job description

Senior Research Associate (Onsite in Wilsonville, OR)

Twist Bioscience's Tech Transfer team is hiring a Senior Research Associate in Wilsonville, Oregon, to help new products and process improvements, with a particular focus on supporting orders ahead of full integration and scale. This role builds on our Research Associate II position and calls for someone who is an independent, vigilant, and detail-driven scientist who can both execute hands-on production work and help optimize the processes that bridge R&D and operations.

You will perform manual production steps for workflows that have not yet been fully automated, while partnering closely with R&D scientists and operations to vet new processes before and during their transfer into manufacturing. This person should be able to run experiments independently, communicate effectively, and optimize processes to drive CPI and NPI success, executing experiments that deliver high-quality end products for our customers. The work can vary between DNA and protein work, so the ability to learn new techniques and methodologies quickly is a real asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, escalating when plans fall outside established protocols.
• Support the build-out and vetting of new processes ahead of launch, working closely with R&D scientists, automation engineers, operators, and LIMS developers to confirm a process is ready for production.
• Perform manual experiments with the intention of automating them for production processing of new or in-development workflows, helping fulfill early access orders while automation is still being built out.
• Identify process gaps, bottlenecks, and risks before they reach manufacturing, and help implement optimizations.
• Serve as a vigilant check on process quality, catching inconsistencies or at-risk steps and raising them before they affect downstream production or customer orders.
• Support the writing of work instructions and training materials for manufacturing operators.
• Operate a range of automated and manual lab equipment to execute experiments and production runs.
• Support testing & validating Twist's LIMS platforms to generate, track, and analyze data.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize data, and communicate findings clearly across cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and train others on new processes and best practices.
• Maintain thorough, organized, and audit-ready experimental and production records.

Qualifications and Required Skills

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field, with at least 4 years of relevant industry or research experience; or an M.S. in a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong, hands-on background in molecular biology techniques, DNA or protein purification, DNA quantification, PCR, enzymatic and or cell-based assays, including antibody characterization assays.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound scientific judgment with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Comfortable partnering cross-functional with R&D and operations, as well as automation engineers, LIMS developers, and R&D scientists to support building and vetting new processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present data clearly and work effectively across teams.
• Able to prepare technical documents, including SOPs, data summaries, and technical or analytical reports.
• Comfortable working in a LEAN manufacturing or controlled laboratory environment, including supporting manual processing ahead of automation.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with a track record of catching issues before they escape.
• Experience mentoring or training other lab staff.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with lab automation.
• Experience with SQL and/or JSON.
• Experience using LIMS systems.
• Experience working with antibodies.
• Experience supporting new product or process launches, including Early Access or limited-release programs.
• Familiarity with manufacturing lab environments.

About Twist Bioscience

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as \"writing\" DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon-based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.