Molecular / Synthetic Biology and Integration (Senior) Scientist
evonetix
About Us
Evonetix is a rapidly expanding biotechnology company poised to revolutionize the de novo gene synthesis and assembly landscape, by further facilitating the incredibly exciting field of synthetic biology. Our technology integrates novel molecular biology methods with microfluidics & a novel silicon-array that has the capacity to control the independent synthesis of DNA on many thousands of miniaturised reaction sites. This DNA synthetic process is coupled with an on-chip DNA assembly & error removal process.
Our community is a closely-knit, multidisciplinary, and collaborative team of biologists, physicists, synthetic and surface chemists, and mechanical, electronic and software engineers located in a state-of-the-art facility in central Cambridge.
The Position
Our novel approach to gene synthesis and assembly is set to revolutionise what is possible with a desktop gene synthesiser. Key to this ability is our error detecting assembly process that discards oligonucleotides with synthesis errors before they are assembled into longer strands of DNA. We have demonstrated proof of concept for the key steps within this process, and now want to integrate with our chip technology.
We are looking for innovative and motivated molecular biologists, bioengineers, biochemists, or biophysicists to help developing a novel automated method for gene synthesis and assembly. As a member of the biology team, you will play a key role in the design, development, and integration of the key biological components in our core technology. Your skills will complement the strengths and expertise of the biology, chemistry, and physics teams. You will be able to work and communicate ideas across disciplines and contribute towards the development of Evonetix unique third-generation gene synthesis platform.
Essential skills and experience
- Educated to PhD level in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biophysics or other related subject in Biosciences or MSc level with at least 3 years of experience relevant to the position.
- Hands-on experience in molecular biology and biophysical methods for nucleic acid manipulation and analysis, including proficiency in hybridisation, amplification, detection, purification, and quantification, ideally in an industrial setting
- Demonstrable experience in developing bioassays in microfluidic environments
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, strong attention to detail, good organisation and record keeping
- Hands-on data analysis
- Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all level
Desirable skills
• Experience in DNA synthesis, gene assembly and error correction methods
• Familiarity with optical systems for DNA detection and quantification
• Knowledge and experience of next generation sequencing technologies
• Experience with DNA arrays or other surface biosensors
• Experience with the Python programming language
• Experience in developing bioassays in electrophoretic environments
• Exposure to an industrial environment and an understanding of product development
Benefits
This opportunity comes with an attractive benefits package which includes a contributory pension, private medical care, life assurance as well as the opportunity to partake in the share option scheme.