Seeking a skilled and motivated synthetic biologist focusted on advancing genetic engineering for recombinant protein manufacturing.

High-throughput structural biology. Research Assistants will need good knowledge and skills in microbiology, molecular biology, vector and strain propagation and storage, protein biochemistry and protein crystallization, including the instrumentation and techniques involved in protein purification using liquid chromatography, protein characterization using gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering, and protein crystallization.

In addition, research assistants must be capable of conducting measurements and operating analytical instruments in the laboratory overseen by the Technical Representative and other staff scientists.

• Projects require the use of instruments, supplies, and reagents that are typical for molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and biophysics research groups.
• Previous experience operating and maintaining one or more of the following instruments or similar equipment is desirable.
• However, training on specific procedures, methods, and instruments used in the laboratory will be provided by the Technical Representative or other staff scientists, but the research assistants must have experience with operating general equipment typically found in laboratories conducting research in the biological sciences, e.g., plate-based systems and experience with high-throughput liquid handling systems, digital pipettes, thermal cyclers, environmental shakers, shaking water bath, Thermolyne Dri-Bath incubators, bacteriological incubators, microcentrifuges, Beckman high-speed centrifuge and rotors, Beckman floor and benchtop ultracentrifuges and rotors, Eppendorf benchtop low-speed centrifuge, forma ultra-low temperature freezers, -20 C freezers, chromatography refrigerators, savant Speed-Vac, and pH meters. Specialized expertise is often required in the following categories:
• Automated molecular biology equipment such as Beckman Biomek FX liquid handler, microwell plate dispensers and readers.
• Automated protein purification equipment such as the AKTA Explorer or Express.
• Utilization of high density instrumentation for crystallization setup such as the mosquito HTS system.
• Data tracking using LIMS

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• MS in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or related field with relevant industry experience
• Hands-on expertise in recombinant protein expression systems, particulary in E.coli
• Proficiency in analytical techniques for protein characterization (e.g. SDS-PAGE, HPLC, etc.)
• Experience with genetic engineering methods, mutagenesis, and stain development
• Knowledge in silico modeling tools and high-throughput screening techniques
• Familiarity with scale-up processes and bioreactor operation
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.