Sr. Scientist, Electrochemical and Microarray DNA Synthesis

AtlasBase; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

AtlasBase seeks a highly skilled scientist to advance CMOS chip-based phosphoramidite DNA synthesis workflows and electrochemical DNA synthesis protocols at our South San Francisco labs.

You will collaborate across R&D and manufacturing to build prototype testbeds, optimize synthesis fidelity, and leverage NGS analytics for quality assessment of oligonucleotide pools. Strong problem-solving and cross-functional communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry/related field.
• 2+ years biotech/pharma R&D for Doctoral degree; 5+ years for Master’s degree.
• Proven track record in phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis chemistry and platform development.
• Experience in oligonucleotide microarray or pool synthesis desirable.
• Hands-on experience with NGS workflows and data analysis desirable.
• Strong understanding of DNA chip technologies and electrochemistry desirable.
• Able to work on cross-functional projects with R&D and manufacturing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CMOS chip-based phosphoramidite DNA synthesis workflows.
• Develop and optimize electrochemical DNA synthesis protocols including chip handling, hardware configuration and software integration.
• Execute rigorous failure-mode analysis across hardware, fluidics, surface chemistry, phosphoramidite chemistry, and electrochemistry.
• Collaborate with engineering and synthesis teams to build prototype testbeds integrating chemistry, fluidics and hardware.
• Operate NGS-based analytical pipelines for quality assessment of oligonucleotide pools.
• Analyze experimental data using molecular biology and organic chemistry techniques.
• Drive technology transfers from R&D to manufacturing with scale-up documentation.
• Define and execute scientific objectives aligned with company goals.
• Present experimental plans, results, conclusions, and next steps at meetings.
• Maintain detailed records of all experimental work and analysis.

Skills

PhD or MSc in Chemistry/related

Biotech R&D experience

Phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synth

Oligonucleotide microarray/pool synth

NGS workflows & data analysis

DNA chip technologies

Electrochemistry knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Project management

Education

PhD or Master’s in Chemistry/related field

Tools

NGS instruments

Electrochemistry hardware setup

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Major contributor to the development and optimization of CMOS chip-based phosphoramidite DNA synthesis workflows.
• Develop and optimize electrochemical DNA synthesis protocols, including chip handling, hardware configuration and software integration, and chemistry process to improve synthesis efficiency and fidelity
• Execute rigorous failure-mode analysis to systematically identify, diagnose, and resolve multi-variable root causes across hardware, fluidics, surface chemistry, phosphoramidite chemistry and electrochemistry.
• Collaborate with engineering and synthesis teams to build and iterate prototype testbeds, integrating chemistry, fluidics, and hardware systems.
• Operate NGS-based analytical pipelines for quality assessment of oligonucleotide pools
• Analyze experimental data using molecular biology and organic chemistry techniques
• Drive technology transfers from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring robust scale-up and process documentation
• Help define and execute scientific and technical objectives aligned with company goals
• Present experimental plans, results, conclusions, and next steps at group meetings, project team meetings, and company-wide meetings.
• Maintain detailed and meticulous records of all experimental work and analysis.

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates will have an advanced degree (PhD or Master) in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 2 years of biotech or pharma R&D experience for candidates holding a Doctoral degree or minimum 5 years of experience for candidates holding a Master's degree.
• Proven track record and proficiency in phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis chemistry and platform development.
• Experience in oligonucleotide microarray or pool synthesis is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience with NGS workflows and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of DNA chip technologies and electrochemistry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to participate cross-functional projects and collaborate across R&D and manufacturing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work will be performed onsite in office and laboratory space located in South San Francisco.

• Mobility: Must be able to move about the laboratory and office environment regularly. This includes standing and walking for extended periods, often up to 6-8 hours per day.
• Manual Dexterity: Must have fine motor skills and steady hands to handle delicate instruments, operate laboratory equipment, pipette accurately, and perform repetitive benchwork with precision.
• Lifting/Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally, such as boxes of lab supplies or equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Must have sufficient visual acuity to read small print on labels, instrument displays, and computer monitors. Close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus are required.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequently exposed to typical laboratory conditions, including biological samples, chemicals, and reagents. Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles as required.

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.