Boston, MA
Ginkgo’s mission is to make biology easier to engineer. We are constructing, editing, and redesigning the living world to answer the globe’s growing challenges in health, energy, food, materials, and more. Our bioengineers make use of an in-house automated foundry for designing and building new organisms. Today, our foundry is developing over 40 different organisms to make different products across multiple industries.
Ginkgo is continuously crossing new frontiers of biological engineering, and we have a record of delivering to our partners what was (until recently) thought impossible. Now, our expansion into mammalian cell engineering promises to push our boundaries even further, and so we’re looking for curious, creative, and driven pioneers in this field.
We’re searching for a highly skilled and motivated Molecular Biologist with expertise in RNA biology and biochemistry. A successful applicant can independently design, conduct, and analyze in vitro and cell-based experiments aimed toward engineering RNA sequences that for example support long-term or tissue-specific translation; impact splicing; or generally modulate host cell biology. You are familiar with how RNA secondary structure and topology affects both its generation (in vitro or in vivo) and its function. You can also perform biological techniques in order to generate and characterize RNA both in vitro and in cells. You have demonstrated experience owning and delivering technical milestones on timeline.. As a driven and organized team member, you are flexible and can adapt to the changing demands of a fast-paced environment.
Please note: this role would primarily be based in our Boston, Seaport location, but may require some flexibility to occasionally be present at the Cambridge location.
#LI-MB1
Responsibilities
Work on a range of projects that directly impact the progress of Ginkgo’s mammalian team. Will design, conduct and analyze in vitro and cell-based experiments, independently and/or in collaboration with colleagues across the institution.
Perform multiple biological techniques, including RNA transcription, tissue culture, cell transfection, qPCR, and other biochemical assays.
Analyze and share data within the Company with high integrity, quality and clarity.
Provide technical direction and guidance on improving partner RNA therapeutics to insure project success.
Support resource management and project planning across the broader project team.
Communicate project and team performance to leadership and external customers.
Identify and help develop new technologies to drive next-generation RNA platform development.
Provide technical support, including scientific strategy and messaging, to Ginkgo’s Commercial Team, and directly interface with current and potential external partners Provide feedback on feasibility of various approaches to senior management and key internal stakeholders.
Grow, supervise, and mentor a small team of researchers working on RNA therapeutic-specific challenges.
Coordinate efforts across interdisciplinary teams within Ginkgo’s foundry and 3rd party vendors.
Assist with shaping Ginkgo’s overall direction as a company and support its evolving needs, as necessary
Desired Experience and Capabilities
PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
5+ years of research experience post-PhD, 3 years of industry experience in RNA biology (need not be directly therapeutics) preferred.
Proven track record of scientific innovation, as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications and/or presentations.
Deep hands-on experience with complex experimental design employing molecular biology techniques related to in vitro transcript analysis, gene expression, and RNA biology in mammalian cells.
Expertise in in vitro transcription, analytical tools of RNA (gel electrophoresis, enzymatic reactions, immunoblotting, ELISA, qPCR and/or ddPCR).
Quantitative and statistical analysis of data
Demonstrated ability and willingness to quickly learn and perform in new areas, implement new techniques and instruments.
Strong molecular biology expertise, with significant experience in mammalian cell culture and familiarity with next-generation sequencing technologies.
Experience establishing cell-based assays.
Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Good communication and organization skills, with the ability to effectively convey project plans and complex technical information to a range of internal teams and external partners.
Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Can and will do attitude and innovative mindset
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience in generating and screening large libraries of RNA elements to elucidate sequence-structure-function relationships between those elements and RNA processes (ie catalysis, translation, stability, interference, etc).
Ability to effectively interface with custom and commercial LIMS systems, and utilize software tools for sample and workflow management. Familiarity with scripting to automate tasks is a plus.
To learn more about Ginkgo, check out some recent press:
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.
