Molecular Biology Scientist

Objective

• Joyn Bio is looking for a Scientist with expertise in developing and scaling Nucleic Acid detection assays using Laboratory Automation. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of and perform high throughput assays and screens, including extractions, qPCR and next-generation sequencing approaches.

Responsibilities

• Improve, execute and automate a pipeline to perform thousands of DNA extractions and qPCR reactions from plant and microbial samples
• Develop and scale qPCR assays and DNA extraction workflows using laboratory automation platforms, such as Hamilton liquid handlers and Echo acoustic liquid handlers to precisely and reproducibly perform thousands of small volume molecular reactions per week
• Work with computational biologists and data scientists to develop and manage sample inventory and data analysis strategies
• Perform data entry and basic data management functions
• Innovate and develop new DNA/RNA plant-microbe interaction assays that are aligned with defined objectives
• Use next generation sequencing technologies (library preparation and data analysis in collaboration with computational biologists) to characterize plant-microbe interactions using DNA and RNA based approaches and sequencing technologies (such as Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore)
• Draft and manage Technical Project Plans in collaboration with research partners and CROs

Training/Experience

• BSc + 8 years experience or MSc with + 3-5 years experience in nucleic acid biology, microbiology, and laboratory automation in an industry or core facility setting
• Strong preference towards candidates with experience in customer-facing roles in sequencing core facilities, or analogous platforms
• Strong technical expertise in two or more of the following: molecular microbial ecology, molecular plant-microbe interactions, DNA/RNA based detection techniques, next generation sequencing (Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore) library preparation and analysis, qPCR or digital PCR
• Experience with liquid handling robots is required (Hamilton, Tecan, etc.)
• Experience performing molecular and in silico work for RNA-seq, metagenomics and 16S rRNA-targeted microbial community profiling is highly desirable
• Experience with LIMS software is highly desirable
• Project management experience necessary, including capturing and reporting key performance indicators in a pipeline
• Experience with in vivo plant-microbe interaction assays is desirable
• Must be a detail oriented, highly organized, and collaborative self-starter with excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

Organizational

• Will report to PMI Scientist in the Plant Science team.

Location

• This position will be based at our Boston site and will require minimal travel (10%).