Job Description

Sr. Scientist - DNA Synthesis R&D

This role is 100% on-site at our South San Francisco Headquarters and can be filled at the Sr Scientist or Scientist level, depending on experience.

The R&D team at Twist is searching for a curious, thoughtful, and driven molecular biologist with excellent lab hands to help us develop new products and applications in the Synthetic Biology (SynBio) space.  Leveraging our silicon-based, massively-parallel DNA synthesis platform, you will conduct laboratory studies to develop, improve, and troubleshoot our latest SynBio products, ranging from DNA oligos, to non-clonal fragments, to clonal genes, RNA, and beyond.  In this position, you will have the opportunity to work on leading-edge products for a variety of applications.

We are looking for people who have:

• Deep technical knowledge.  You know exactly what’s going on in the tube.
• Fire in the belly. You want to move fast and see your work turn into real products that people use. The Pareto principle is in your blood.
• Common sense.  Your scientific intuition is usually correct; you synthesize available data and use Occam’s razor.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of custom DNA-based applications and tests, focusing on next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeted enrichment products.
• Independently plan and execute experiments, analyze data, and leverage findings to enhance NGS products and applications.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to optimize production workflows for NGS kits and Target Enrichment Panel lines, ensuring increased efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Innovate and refine commercial kits and components, including formulations and protocols.
• Collaborate closely with bioinformaticians for data analysis and coordinate with internal Twist teams, including product management, manufacturing, and QC, on cross-functional projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and ISO 13485 guidelines.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• Extensive expertise in NGS methods, products, and applications, with practical experience in large-scale genomic techniques, including whole genome sequencing, exome sequencing, target enrichment, RNA sequencing, and single-cell sequencing.
• Proficient in bioinformatics and bioinformatics tools, including genome alignment, mapping, variant calling, and annotation, with the ability to conduct analyses and effectively communicate requirements to bioinformaticians.
• Proficient in molecular biology techniques, including DNA purification, DNA quantification, and PCR.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with strong proficiency in both written and spoken English, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
• Detail-oriented and efficient in fast-paced environments, with demonstrated technical expertise and scientific creativity.
• Skilled in independently solving complex, diverse problems using innovative thinking and collaborative approaches.
• Ability to influence the trajectory of projects by offering actionable solutions that are adopted by core teams and stakeholders.
• Independently manages routine work and seeks guidance on new assignments as needed.
• Leads the creation of technical and supporting documents for both internal and external use.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's degree with 5-7 years of experience or a PhD with 2-5 years of post-graduate experience in a related field such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, or chemistry. 
• Experience with an NGS company and in developing products for commercial launch is highly desirable.
• Coding skills in R, Python or equivalent languages. 
• Experience with liquid handling systems and automation.

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.

The base cash compensation for this California-based role is below. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location and may vary from the amount listed above. Compensation may be different in other locations.

San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range

$141,596—$163,430 USD

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