Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology

Position: Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology

Location: Seattle, WA

Reporting to: Project Lead

Role Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology and synthetic biology, a strong product-development mindset, and the ability to build new technologies and workflows from the ground up.

As a key member of a small, collaborative R&D team, this scientist will lead the development of innovative molecular biology products and technologies, with a particular focus on gene synthesis and DNA library construction using GenScript’s proprietary high-throughput DNA synthesis platforms. The role combines bench-based research, technical leadership, supervision of junior team members, and management of R&D projects from concept and feasibility assessment through process development, technology transfer, and commercialization.

The successful candidate will help establish robust, scalable workflows that enable automated, large-scale production while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners in bioinformatics, chemistry, manufacturing, and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead bench-based research to design, develop, and optimize molecular biology products and services using GenScript’s proprietary high-throughput DNA synthesis platform.
• Develop next-generation gene synthesis technologies and associated assays to simplify workflows and improve performance, quality, cost, safety, and scalability.
• Lead new product and process development to expand capabilities in gene assembly, DNA library construction, next-generation cloning, and DNA amplification.
• Assist to manage R&D projects from concept through technology transfer, defining project scope, experimental strategies, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and success criteria. Track progress, identify technical risks, and coordinate mitigation plans to support timely execution.
• Supervise, mentor, and train junior scientists and research associates. Set clear objectives, guide experimental design and troubleshooting, review data and documentation, and provide regular feedback to support scientific development and accountability.
• Coordinate day-to-day research activities and prioritize experimental work across assigned projects in alignment with team objectives and available resources.
• Lead technology transfer to manufacturing, collaborating with manufacturing and quality teams to support successful product launches and continuous process improvement in an ISO 9001-compliant environment.
• Develop and optimize automated workflows that translate research methods into robust, reproducible, and scalable production processes.
• Collaborate with colleagues in bioinformatics, chemistry, and other key functions to translate research advances into competitive reagent and service offerings.
• Critically evaluate experimental data, draw actionable conclusions, and communicate scientific findings, project progress, risks, and recommendations through presentations, reports, and team updates.
• Author and review technical documentation, including technology transfer packages, standard operating procedures (SOPs), analytical reports, invention disclosures, and patent applications.

Qualifications:

Education

• A degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related discipline, with one of the following combinations of education and relevant industry experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.
  • D. with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record in assay and product development, including turning research concepts into reproducible, scalable methods.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and enzymology, including DNA and RNA. Knowledge of protein synthesis, protein characterization, and affinity assays is a plus.
• Hands-on expertise in nucleic acid manipulation and analysis, including primer and probe design, PCR, isothermal amplification, gene assembly, cloning, qPCR, DNA/RNA purification, and capillary electrophoresis.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is preferred, especially for characterizing synthetic DNA and libraries.
• Expertise in liquid handlers and laboratory automation, including method development, optimization, and troubleshooting. Experience with Beckman and Hamilton systems is preferred.
• Experience with method verification and validation in a product-development setting.
• Familiarity with automated laboratory systems and electronic documentation systems (ELN/LIMS) is preferred.
• Experience transferring workflows to automated, large-scale manufacturing in an ISO 9001-compliant environment is preferred.
• Ability to lead R&D projects, including setting priorities, managing timelines, and resolving technical challenges.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or guiding junior scientists or research associates.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, including preparing data summaries, technical and scientific reports, and SOPs, and transferring procedures to manufacturing.
• Goal-oriented, hands-on, and innovative approach to problem solving.
• Self-motivated and passionate, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Benefit:

• Medical Insurance/ Vision Insurance/ Dental Insurance
• 401(k) & Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• New Child Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Company Holidays per year
• Paid Sick Days (earned based on hours worked)
• Compassionate Leave
• Jury Duty Leave
• Float day
• Personal days

Perks: 

• Free colleague meals during shift
• Onsite gyms

Compensation:
Salary range: $120,000 - $160,000 total compensation, including bonus, depending on experience and qualifications.