Laboratory Technician 2 - Oligo/Gene Synthesis

Azenta Inc.

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.

All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity

Job Title

Laboratory Technician II, Oligo/Gene Synthesis

Job Description

Position: Laboratory Technician II, Oligo/Gene Synthesis

Location: Menlo Park, CA
Schedule: Tues - Sat 8AM - 4:30PM PST or Sun - Thurs 8AM - 4:30PM PST or Tues - Sat 3:30PM – 12AM PST or Sun – Thurs 3:30PM – 12AM PST
Schedule Flexibility: Flexibility of 1–2 hours at the beginning or end of the shift may be required based on business needs.
Hourly Rate: $27/hour for first shift

$27 +5% differential for night shift

Contract: 6+ months

INTRO:

At GENEWIZ by Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer-focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.

As a global leader in R&D genomics services, GENEWIZ, leads the way in providing superior data quality with unparalleled technical support to enable researchers around the world to advance their scientific discoveries faster than ever before.

Our customers at top-tier pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions, as well as cutting-edge start-ups, rely on our proprietary technologies for consistent, reliable, high-quality data, even on the most difficult projects. A full-service provider, we provides Sanger DNA sequencing, gene synthesis, molecular biology, high throughput/next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and GLP regulatory services.

How Will You Add Value

The Laboratory Technician II is an intermediate-level member of the Oligo Synthesis team of Gene Synthesis Department. You are responsible for independently executing oligonucleotide manufacturing and processing activities for internal and external customers. The role supports safe, accurate, and timely completion of production batches; performs quality checks and routine equipment maintenance; records and reports production data; and contributes to technical studies and continuous improvement. This position works closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, and other cross-functional partners to improve process reliability, efficiency, and scale.

What You’ll Do 

• Independently perform all oligo synthesis and downstream processing steps with little to no oversight, ensuring orders and production batches are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Execute production batches in accordance with approved SOPs, batch records, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Perform in-process and final quality checks on raw materials, reagents, intermediates, and finished products; identify and escalate results that do not meet specifications.
• Operate laboratory automation and production equipment, including liquid handlers, oligo synthesizers, SpeedVacs, centrifuges, and related instruments.
• Perform and document routine and preventive maintenance, minor troubleshooting, part replacement, and instrument calibration coordination.
• Assist with troubleshooting production or equipment issues and partner with management and cross-functional teams to restore smooth operations.
• Accurately track production data, quality results, maintenance activities, and process metrics in systems such as LIMS and approved spreadsheets.
• Participate in technical studies, process validations, and continuous improvement initiatives; identify process gaps and help implement new technologies or workflow improvements.
• Create or edit SOPs, work instructions, and other controlled documentation as assigned.
• Monitor and respond to the department email inbox with guidance from management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and comply with PPE, chemical handling, and hazardous materials requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Quality, R&D, Engineering, and other team members in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Support shifted schedules, including at least one weekend day, as business needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

What You Will Bring 

• • High School Diploma or equivalent required 
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific field preferred.
  • At least 9 months of experience in a GENEWIZ/Azenta laboratory or equivalent relevant oligo manufacturing, production, or laboratory experience.•  Demonstrated ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced laboratory or production environment.
  • Two or more years of experience in an oligo manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling robots, oligo synthesizers, intricate hardware components, production software, and custom reagents.
  • Experience performing preventive maintenance, replacing instrument parts, and coordinating calibration activities.•  Experience in a startup, scale-up, or rapidly changing production environment.
  • Experience with data analysis, reporting, and presentation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of oligo synthesis and normalization calculations.
• Ability to independently follow and pass required SOP training and testing, maintaining an 80% or higher pass rate.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine laboratory, process, and equipment issues and escalate appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, documentation, and data integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to change while maintaining order, quality, and productivity.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and receive feedback constructively.
• Desire to learn new processes and support a growing team.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to read small fonts on sample tubes, labels, and documents.
• Ability to reach, lift, bend, and use a step stool or ladder.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while operating laboratory computers and equipment and wearing a lab coat, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Work in areas where hazardous chemicals or substances are present and comply with all PPE and safety requirements.
• Ability to use hand tools to adjust instrument settings or replace minor components as needed.
• Work the assigned day-shift schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or other flexible hours based on business demand.

EOE  M/F/Disabled/VET

If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email at [email protected] for assistance. 

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

United States Base Compensation: $19.00 - $23.50

The posted pay range for this position is an estimate based on current market data and internal pay structure. Final compensation may vary above or below this range depending on factors such as experience, education (including licensure and certifications),  qualifications, performance, and geographic location, among other relevant business or organizational needs.