Research Scientist , Enzyme Development

Overview

Position: Research Scientist I, Enzyme Development

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Location: Boulder, CO (onsite)

Department: R&D - EDG

Experience: PhD and 0-3+ yrs industry experience; MS/MA and 3-6+ yrs industry experience; BS/BA and 5-8+ yrs industry experience

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor.

We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Research Scientist 1, Enzyme Development based in Boulder, CO.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This is an onsite/in-office position.

The position provides an opportunity to grow and develop as a scientist and gain valuable experience in product development and commercialization.

The position will be responsible for product development, characterization, and process development (fermentation and purification) for new and existing enzyme products. This individual will be responsible for executing and documenting experimental protocols and will work closely with the broader scientific, manufacturing, and new product development teams. The scope of experimentation will cover Watchmaker’s enzyme product suite for internal and external use in genomics applications.

Quality of work is of paramount importance as results will be used to determine long term manufacturing strategies. Data generated by this individual may be shared at conferences and/or in peer-reviewed literature, in webinars, marketing brochures, on the website, or directly to customers seeking technical support.

• Plan and perform enzyme research & development experiments including: small scale bioreactor fermentation, FPLC purification optimization, enzyme characterization (biophysical, functional, and kinetic), and molecular biology assays
• Design and execute experiments, and implement and maintain laboratory protocols
• Carefully interpret data and accurately document the details of all experiments in an electronic lab notebook
• Contribute to a team responsible for launch of commercially successful genomics products through customer collaborations and product technical support
• Identify and implement opportunities for internal continuous process improvement

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

The candidate should have a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical/biological engineering or a related discipline and directly relevant research experience (or equivalent degree and experience). Experience in the following areas is considered highly desirable: molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes), enzyme kinetics and characterization, bioprocessing, bioreactor fermentation, FPLC purification, protein HPLC, Next-Gen Sequencing, and genomics. Knowledge of protein manufacturing and product development are a plus.

Experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and analyze molecular biology & bioprocessing lab work to determine next steps in a project
• Experience with standard bioprocessing techniques such as fermentation, FPLC purification, and functional molecular biology assays
• Strong writing skills with ability to record and communicate scientific content
• Ability to effectively communicate novel scientific concepts
• The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high…