Synthetic Biologist

SPECTRAFORCE; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 51,143 - 72,840; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology firm in Waltham, Massachusetts is seeking a skilled professional to execute synthetic biology experiments for mRNA vaccine production. The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology with extensive hands-on experience and strong teamwork skills. This role involves development of new techniques, collaboration with engineers, and preparation of detailed reports. A competitive pay of $45/hr is offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with ≥2 years post-graduate experience in synthetic biology.
• Extensive expertise in oligo synthesis, sequence design, and gene assembly.
• Hands-on skills with oligo synthesizer and automated liquid handler.
• Experience with nucleic acid sequence analysis software.
• Strong analytical methods relevant to DNA work.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments for mRNA vaccine production.
• Develop and implement new synthetic biology technologies.
• Collaborate with Automation engineers to automate workflows.
• Utilize software tools for DNA design and analysis.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management.

Skills

Synthetic biology

Molecular biology

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology

Tools

Geneious

Snapgene

Benchling

PCR

Hamilton

Illumina NGS

Nanopore NGS

Python

SQL

R

Job description

This role offers AI-powered job advice and exclusive features from SPECTRAFORCE.

Starting pay: $45.00/hr

Key Responsibilities

• Independently plan, design, and execute synthetic biology experiments to construct and prepare high quality nucleic acid material for mRNA vaccine production, including mRNA vaccine target development, DNA template production, QC, and data analysis.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new synthetic biology technologies and optimize existing techniques and workflows to meet objectives.
• Collaborate with Automation engineers to automate gene synthesis workflows and meet high‑throughput requirements.
• Utilize software tools to automate DNA design and NGS data analysis.
• Function in highly collaborative cross‑functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members as needed.
• This position is primarily lab‑based.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with ≥2 years post‑graduate experience in synthetic biology, including extensive expertise in oligo synthesis, sequence design, gene assembly, NGS library preparation, analysis, and process optimization.
• Hands‑on molecular biology skills: oligo synthesizer, PCR, Gibson and Golden Gate assembly, Illumina and nanopore NGS platforms, automated liquid handler (Hamilton), etc.
• Expertise in nucleic acid sequence analysis software (Geneious, Snapgene, Benchling, etc.) and programming skills (Python, SQL, R).
• Strong analytical and molecular biology methods relevant to DNA work.
• Desire to work in a team‑first, fast‑paced environment and efficiently solve problems.
• Attention to detail and meticulous record‑keeping.
• Experience in setting up research agreements and managing externalized research and technology transfer activities.

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.