Senior Scientist, RNA Therapeutics

Responsibilities

• Work on a range of projects that directly impact the progress of Ginkgo's mammalian team. Will design, conduct and analyze in vitro and cell-based experiments, independently and/or in collaboration with colleagues across the institution.
• Perform multiple molecular and cellular biology techniques, including RNA transcription, tissue culture, cell transfection, qPCR, and other biochemical assays.
• Perform screens to evaluate translation in a high throughput manner using next generation sequencing techniques.
• Analyze and share data within the Company with high integrity, quality and clarity.
• Support resource management and project planning across the broader project team.
• Communicate project and team performance to leadership and external customers
• Identify and help develop new technologies to drive next-generation RNA platform development.
• Provide technical support, including scientific strategy and messaging, to Ginkgo's Commercial Team, and directly interface with current and potential external partners.
• Coordinate efforts across interdisciplinary teams within Ginkgo's foundry and 3rd party vendors

Required Experience and Capabilities

• PhD +3 years industry experience in molecular biology, bio engineering, biochemistry, or a closely related field or equivalent experience. Industry experience in RNA biology (need not be directly therapeutics) is preferred
• Proven track record of scientific innovation, as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications and/or presentations
• Deep hands-on experience with complex experimental design employing molecular biology techniques related to in vitro transcript analysis, gene expression, and RNA biology in mammalian cells
• Expertise in in vitro transcription, analytical tools of RNA (gel electrophoresis, enzymatic reactions, immunoblotting, ELISA, qPCR and/or ddPCR)
• Experience with Riboseq, Polysome Profiling, RNA-seq, RIP-seq, SHAPE-seq or other chemical probing methods
• Proficiency in in vitro transcription/translation systems and in vivo cell based reporter assays
• Experience in RNA-protein interaction, genome-wide RNA technologies, or transcriptomics approaches
• A strong publication record and demonstrated ability to perform impactful research in the field of RNA biology as part of a multidisciplinary, broadly collaborative team are required
• Quantitative and statistical analysis of data. Demonstrated ability and willingness to quickly learn and perform in new areas, implement new techniques and instruments
• Strong molecular biology expertise, with significant experience in mammalian cell culture and next-generation sequencing technologies
• Experience establishing cell-based assays
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Good communication and organization skills, with the ability to effectively convey project plans and complex technical information to a range of internal teams and external partners
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Can and will do attitude and innovative mindset

Additional Preferred Capabilities

• Direct experience in generating and screening large libraries of RNA elements to elucidate sequence-structure-function relationships between those elements and RNA processes (ie catalysis, translation, stability, interference, etc)
• Ability to effectively interface with custom and commercial LIMS systems, and utilize software tools for sample and workflow management. Familiarity with scripting to automate tasks is a plus