Scientist – Tech Transfer

Scientist, Tech Transfer (Onsite in Wilsonville, OR)

The Tech Transfer team is looking for an innovative and driven Scientist with excellent lab hands. We expect the Scientist to support implementing process improvements and transferring new products into our SynBio and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) labs for production purposes. This will involve conducting laboratory studies to develop, improve, and troubleshoot as well as cross-train operators. This role will provide the opportunity to work cross-functionally with many different departments, including operations, automation engineering, and bioinformatics teams, among others. 

If you thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment where every day is different, accelerate at executing a variety of processes at the lab bench, and are a creative problem solver with a passion for delivering high-quality results with careful experimental execution, we want you to apply!  We are looking for a candidate with a strong technical background in NGS and molecular biology. Experience in protein expression using mammalian cells is a plus. This is an on-site position at our Wilsonville, OR, site near Portland. 

Ideal candidates for this position are dedicated team players, capable of assisting with several projects at once, who can be a part of a strong collaboration between multiple innovative and encouraging individuals. Scientists who demonstrate self-motivation and enthusiasm for scientific bench work are strongly encouraged to apply.

Your work will be mainly at the bench; however, you will have the opportunity to expand your expertise using high-throughput robotic instruments, coding, and bioinformatics tools. You will work alongside and learn from some of the best scientists and bioinformaticians in the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments aimed at optimizing production workflows for SynBio, NGS Kits, and IgG labs, ensuring enhanced efficiency, quality, and scalability of our products.
• Initiates and leads the drafting of technical and supporting documents, including training documents for manufacturers. 
• Work to analyze complex data sets and use findings to engage with other internal teams to troubleshoot, develop, and improve processes.
• Able to lead projects and act as a technical expert for RnD/PD at core team meetings.
• Routinely uses available literature and background knowledge to inform technical decisions related to project strategy.
• Expected to make daily contributions to assigned tasks to keep work on track.
• Document experimental results using electronic lab notebooks to communicate data and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Adhere to regulatory standards and ISO 13485 guidelines for NGS kitting labs.

Qualifications And Required Skills

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field or Master's degree with a minimum of 2-5 years of industry experience
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA purification and quantification, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning, enzymatic assays, protein engineering, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques.
• Deep knowledge of next-generation sequencing.  Hands-on experience preferred 
• Attention to detail is required when determining complex experimental strategies, including experimental design, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and review of new methods, to facilitate process improvements and the transfer of new products.
• Strong scientific intuition and common sense.
• Good work ethic with a “can-do” mentality and attitude for approaching challenging questions..
• Dynamic interpersonal skills. Respectful and open to others’ views; contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Self-motivated, willing to learn and be up-to-date on current scientific literature or new research developments.
• Ability to train and mentor individuals on processes  
• Experience with various NGS library preparation techniques and hands-on experience using NGS sequencing platforms and analysis.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Work cross-functionally within and across the department effectively as a team player.
• Experience with Illumina and ONT long-read technologies is also preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities.
• Programming experience (ideally SQL, JSON, or Python) for manipulating and analyzing large datasets.

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.