Scientist​/Sr Scientist​/Staff Scientist - DNA Synthesis; Molecular Biology; in SSF, CA

USA - South San Francisco, CA

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 (Syn Bio) space. You will use molecular biology to improve existing methods for gene synthesis as well as create entirely new ones. Leveraging our silicon-based, massively-parallel DNA synthesis platform, you will perform experiments for synthesis, assembly, cloning, scale-up, sequencing, and characterization of DNA.

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. Occam’s razor is your friend.
• Your work will be mainly at the bench; however, you will have the opportunity to use high-throughput robotic instruments and 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.

Job title and compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's years of experience, individual skills, knowledge, and abilities.

• Lead molecular biology research projects in DNA synthesis, assembly, cloning, scale up, sequencing, and characterization.
• Independently design and execute experiments and analyze experimental data.
• Move projects forward efficiently / manage time and resources effectively / prioritize tasks in accordance with the company’s goals.
• Document and communicate results clearly and succinctly.
• Discuss experimental results with other team members and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with a diverse group of scientists and bioinformaticians.
• Coordinate with internal Twist teams, including product management, manufacturing, and QC/QA, on cross-functional projects.
• Solicit technical input from others / participate in scientific discussions / come up with new ideas.
• Stay up to date with new developments, companies, and technologies.
• Be the ultimate subject matter expert, and understand all aspects of your work as profoundly as possible, including details that are adjacent (as opposed to directly related) to your project/experiment.

• Deep technical knowledge in molecular biology methods, with a focus on nucleic acids. Extensive experience in DNA synthesis, assembly, and manipulation methods is a must.
• Broad experience with DNA cloning and the different methods for DNA amplification using cells or enzymes.
• A track record of successful and creative method development.
• Broad experience in bacterial cell culture and plasmid biology.
• Strong background in NGS library preparation methods, sequencing technologies, and data analysis.
• 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.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
• Independent, driven, and creative.

• Experience in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or combination of closely-related fields and experience.
• Scientist Requires a PhD and 0-2 years of previous professional experience;
  or a master's degree and 3-5 years of work experience
• Sr Scientist Requires a Ph.D. and 2-5 years of professional experience (postdoc may count);
  or a master's degree and 5-7 years of work experience
• Staff Scientist Requires a Ph.D. and 5-8 years of professional experience (postdoc may count);
  or a master's degree and 7 years of work experience
• Extensive experience in molecular biology of nucleic acids.
• Familiarity with Python, R, or equivalent programming languages.
• Experience with liquid-handling systems and automation is a plus.

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as “writing” DNA. Just as children learn to both…