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Ginkgo Bioworks

RNA Engineer 2- Weekend shift

Waltham, MA

Our mission is to make biology easier to engineer. Ginkgo is constructing, editing, and redesigning the living world in order 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.

The RNA Purification & Characterization (RPC) team is composed of experienced nucleic acid and protein scientists and biochemists. Our team operates at the intersection of circRNA, mRNA and other nucleic acid engineering, high-throughput screening, fermentation, and downstream processing to help purify and assess biomolecules that are central to the mission at Ginkgo. We utilize the latest software and automation to develop low, mid, and high throughput methods for nucleic acid in-vitro transcription, purification, enzyme kinetics and biophysical characterization.

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A key enabling technology of our Mammalian RNA projects is the ability to produce circular RNA in high amounts. So far, this has been difficult for everyone in the RNA industry to achieve; Ginkgo is working to find solutions to this challenge. We currently have a process to enrich and purify circular RNA at scale, and are working to improve it to produce a step-change in production output. This role will operate both existing and future RNA analytics and purification processes as they evolve, and work the weekend shift.

Responsibilities
  • Operate in-house processes for circular RNA (circRNA) and mRNA production, including running HPLC or FPLC, collecting and pooling chromatogram peaks, and reporting in LIMS.
  • Perform circRNA and mRNA purifications to support chromatography process development and the supply of 1 mg of material to support in-vivo mouse studies and aid in the development and supply of the 1 gram scale.
  • Analyze circRNA and mRNA fraction intermediates and final purified material analytically using agarose and PAGE gels, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), ELISAs, HPLC and other methods.
  • Take ownership in troubleshooting and maintenance equipment
  • Use Ginkgo's Software and Automation infrastructure to execute production process and collaborate with software engineers to understand and provide feedback on how to improve upon Ginkgo's LIMS and data capture pipeline
  • Work with other team members to drive standardization, quality processes and documentation towards improving our analytical infrastructure.
  • Develop processes for verification and quality control and participate in the implementation of quality controls to our assays to ensure low CV and high reproducibility
Minimum Requirements
  • AS or BS in biochemistry, biology, analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or equivalent degree + 2 years of related industry experience.
  • Lab experience in any of the following areas: chromatography, purification, enzymatics, analytics and/or general biotech laboratory work.
  • Basic knowledge of rudimentary analytical statistics (standard deviations, coefficients of variance, regression analysis, etc.)
  • Willingness to work over the weekend.
Preferred Capabilities and Experience
  • RNA biochemistry experience
  • Experience performing quantitative analyses using any of the techniques: CGE, Agarose Gel, PAGE, ELISA, qPCR/RT-PCR, HPLC / UPLC, SLS, DLS, Tm, SPR, BLI, CD
  • Direct experience analyzing data and reporting on analytical results
  • Prior experience working with automated and/or high throughput liquid handlers (Hamilton, LC autosamplers, automated workcells, etc
  • Demonstrated experience implementing quality controls in wet lab processes
  • Experience working within a cross functional environment
  • Knowledge of LEAN (or other organizational methodologies) to improve process efficiency and quality a plus.
To learn more about Ginkgo, visit www.ginkgobioworks.com/press/ or check out some curated press below: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, employment applicants, and EOE disability/vet.

Privacy Notice

I understand that I am applying for employment with Ginkgo Bioworks and am being asked to provide information in connection with my application. I further understand that Ginkgo gathers this information through a third-party service provider and that Ginkgo may also use other service providers to assist in the application process. Ginkgo may share my information with such third-party service providers in connection with my application and for the start of employment. Ginkgo will treat my information in accordance with Ginkgo's Privacy Policy. By submitting this job application, I am acknowledging that I have reviewed and agree to Ginkgo's Privacy Policy as well as the privacy policies of the third-party service providers used by Ginkgo's associated with the application process.

Client-provided location(s): Massachusetts, USA
Job ID: ginkgo_bioworks-4156309007
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • Pet-friendly Office
    • Happy Hours
    • Snacks
    • Some Meals Provided
    • Company Outings
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Unlimited Paid Time Off
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Leave of Absence
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • Company Equity
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Work Visa Sponsorship