INACTIVE

Full-Time

Manager – Lab Enablement

Posted on 12/17/2022

Ginkgo Bioworks

1,001-5,000 employees

Engineering biology for diverse commercial applications.

Food & Agriculture

Biotechnology

Consumer Goods

Compensation Overview

$90,000

Mid, Senior

Remote

Requirements

BS in a biological or environmental science field with 5 years of experience, or MS with 3 years of experience, or Phd with 2+ years of experience
1-2 years lab experience, preferably in a wastewater testing program
Hands-on NGS experience (library preparation, sequencing runs)
Understanding of the process of nucleic acid extraction from a variety of sample sources. Some hands on experiences in molecular assay / testing a plus
Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
Fast learner and eager to learn
Remote or WFH, willing to travel domestically or internationally up to 40%

Responsibilities

Perform virtual and on-site gap assessment of partner laboratory molecular biology and NGS capabilities + processing equipment
Work with Lab Business Development team to create enablement plans to close those gaps
Build a thorough understanding of wastewater sample processing and testing, by learning from lab partners, experts in the field and research
Understand and advise on wastewater testing and sequencing methods and technologies
Execute on enablement plans, which could include:
Working with external partners to provide contrived or real-world samples
Guiding labs through kit and method options
Sending instructions and guidance to labs in order to gauge proficiency and ultimately quality
Act as primary advisor to labs, responding to questions and challenges
Train international laboratory staff on sample extraction, wastewater processing, and NGS as needed
Follow up with labs and keep them on track to meet program deadlines
Report back to program teams on lab progress
Track the progress of a portfolio of labs at various stages of enablement
Translate lab enablement projects into repeatable playbooks and checklists
Meaningfully and positively contribute to Concentric culture
Travel internationally to perform lab assessments and enablement activities including inspection, hands on training and troubleshooting. Up to 40% travel to domestic or international locations (Africa, Middle East, etc.)

Desired Qualifications

Hands-on wastewater testing lab testing experience preferred
Direct experience in nucleic acid extraction from a variety of sample sources is highly advantageous
Experience with both short and long read NGS platforms
Some NGS bioinformatics experience preferred
Working experience in training and troubleshooting for field applications would be a plus
Strong background in molecular assay for various pathogen testing is desirable

Ginkgo Bioworks is a publicly traded (NYSE: $DNA), high-growth biotechnology company based in Boston’s Seaport District, that is redesigning the living world to solve some of the globe’s growing challenges in health, energy, food, material, and more. Our mission to “make biology easier to engineer” is poised to disrupt multiple industries by leveraging our innovative data, automation, and scale capabilities in biological engineering.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have launched a new division: Concentric by Ginkgo. We firmly believe that testing is an essential requirement to re-open the economy as quickly and safely as possible. Concentric is the largest provider of K-12 COVID-19 testing. We currently run state-level K-12 testing programs in more than 10 states and some of the nation’s largest school districts. To date, Concentric has sequenced more than 10,000 samples from a variety of sample types, in support of public health. As we continue to scale Concentric by Ginkgo, our work is also evolving and expanding into new and exciting directions.

The purpose of the Manager, Lab Enablement role is to evaluate and support establishing operational capability within potential partner labs in US and international locations, including introducing and transferring new testing methods, for both clinical and environmental applications. There will be a significant amount of focus on wastewater testing and sequencing. This exciting, challenging new role will deliver tremendous impact for our international programs by giving us more flexibility and leverage with our partner labs. It may also prove to be an integral service offering and potential revenue stream if we can demonstrate the value to our stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in environmental and molecular biology technologies with protocol development experience and likes to travel. We are looking for someone with significant NGS wet lab experience (preferably multi platform) as well as nucleic acid extraction from a variety of sample sources. Wastewater sample processing experience is highly desirable as well as understanding the fundamentals of qPCR, ddPCR and dPCR. This role will also require someone who is a fast learner, creative, flexible, a good communicator, able to work both independently and collaboratively. Proficiency in creating process structure and workflows is ideal.

Responsibilities

Perform virtual and on-site gap assessment of partner laboratory molecular biology and NGS capabilities + processing equipment
Work with Lab Business Development team to create enablement plans to close those gaps
Build a thorough understanding of wastewater sample processing and testing, by learning from lab partners, experts in the field and research
Understand and advise on wastewater testing and sequencing methods and technologies
Execute on enablement plans, which could include:
Working with external partners to provide contrived or real-world samples
Guiding labs through kit and method options
Sending instructions and guidance to labs in order to gauge proficiency and ultimately quality
Act as primary advisor to labs, responding to questions and challenges
Train international laboratory staff on sample extraction, wastewater processing, and NGS as needed
Follow up with labs and keep them on track to meet program deadlines
Report back to program teams on lab progress
Track the progress of a portfolio of labs at various stages of enablement
Translate lab enablement projects into repeatable playbooks and checklists
Meaningfully and positively contribute to Concentric culture
Travel internationally to perform lab assessments and enablement activities including inspection, hands on training and troubleshooting. Up to 40% travel to domestic or international locations (Africa, Middle East, etc.)

Minimum Requirements

BS in a biological or environmental science field with 5 years of experience, or MS with 3 years of experience, or Phd with 2+ years of experience
1-2 years lab experience, preferably in a wastewater testing program
Hands-on NGS experience (library preparation, sequencing runs)
Understanding of the process of nucleic acid extraction from a variety of sample sources. Some hands on experiences in molecular assay / testing a plus
Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
Fast learner and eager to learn
Remote or WFH, willing to travel domestically or internationally up to 40%.

Preferred Capabilities and Experience

Hands-on wastewater testing lab testing experience preferred
Direct experience in nucleic acid extraction from a variety of sample sources is highly advantageous
Experience with both short and long read NGS platforms
Some NGS bioinformatics experience preferred
Working experience in training and troubleshooting for field applications would be a plus
Strong background in molecular assay for various pathogen testing is desirable.

Total compensation for this role is market driven, with a starting salary of $90,000 +, as well as company stock awards. Base pay is ultimately determined based on a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision coverage, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave of absence policies, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) program with employer contribution, 8 paid holidays in addition to a full-week winter shutdown and unlimited Paid Time Off policy.

Note on culture: Concentric by Ginkgo is a high energy, positive and fast paced environment where new challenges and opportunities arise every day, so this opportunity is ideal for people who thrive in those kinds of environments, and for people who like lots of variety in their day. There are lots of opportunities to learn and grow. The team is motivated by doing high impact work in service to society. To get a sense of the culture at Ginkgo, read some articles in Grow by Ginkgo, the company magazine we produce, which tells the story of synthetic biology in a Ginkgo-authentic way.

To learn more about Ginkgo, check out some recent press:

What is it really like to take your company public via a SPAC? One Boston biotech shares its journey (Fortune)

Ginkgo Bioworks resizes the definition of going big in biotech, raising $2.5B in a record SPAC deal that weighs in with a whopping $15B-plus valuation (Endpoints News)

Ginkgo Bioworks CEO on scaling up Covid-19 testing: ‘If we try, we can win’ (CNBC)

Ginkgo raises $70 million to ramp up COVID-19 testing for employers, universities (Boston Globe)

Ginkgo Bioworks Redirects Its Biotech Platform to Coronavirus (Wall Street Journal)

Ginkgo Bioworks Provides Support on Process Optimization to Moderna for COVID-19 Response (PRNewswire)

The Life Factory: Synthetic Organisms From This $1.4 Billion Startup Will Revolutionize Manufacturing (Forbes)

Synthetic Bio Pioneer Ginkgo Raises $290 Million in New Funding (Bloomberg)

Ginkgo Bioworks raises $350 million fund for biotech spinouts (Reuters)

Can This Company Convince You to Love GMOs? (The Atlantic)

We also feel that it’s important to point out the obvious here – there’s a serious lack of diversity in our industry, and that needs to change. Our goal is to help drive that change. Ginkgo is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its practices, especially when it comes to growing our team. Our culture promotes inclusion and embraces how rewarding it is to work with people from all walks of life.

We’re developing a powerful biological engineering platform, so we must remain mindful of the many ways our technology can – and will – impact people around the world. We care about how our platform is used, and having a diverse team to build it gives us the best chance that it’s something we’ll be proud of as it continues to grow. Therefore, it’s critical that we incorporate the diverse voices and visions of all those who play a role in the future of biology.

It is the policy of Ginkgo Bioworks to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants.

Ginkgo Bioworks

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Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. stands out as a leading bioengineering company that leverages advanced biological manufacturing technology to design and optimize a wide range of commercial products, from vaccines to sustainable fashion materials. The company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) fosters a unique and inclusive culture, promoting a diverse workforce that contributes to its success. Furthermore, Ginkgo's ability to engineer biology for equitable distribution of benefits positions it as a key player in various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and fashion.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$2.4B

Headquarters

Boston, Massachusetts

Founded

2009

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 6%

1 year growth

↑ 10%

2 year growth

↑ 57%

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off

Comprehensive health and parental leave benefits

Flexible work options

Commuter benefits

State-of-the-art labs, work spaces, and conference rooms

Competitive 401K contribution

INACTIVE