Scientist - SynBio R&D

This role is 100% on-site at our South San Francisco Headquarters.

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. 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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
• Be helpful/collaborative / proactive
• 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.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• 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

 Qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biology or related field, or master's degree with 3-5 years of experience, or equivalent 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

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.