DNA Script

DNA Script is a leading company in manufacturing de novo synthetic nucleic acids using enzymatic DNA synthesis (EDS) technology. The company aims at accelerating innovation in life science and technology through the decentralization of rapid, on demand and high-quality DNA synthesis. DNA Script's approach leverages nature's billions of years of evolution in synthesizing DNA to set a new standard for customizing nucleic acid synthesis thus accelerating discovery in genetics, genomics, and synthetic biology. Discovery disciplines with profound impacts upon humanity such as biopharma, translational genetics and even molecular information storage all start with synthetic DNA. The company has recently initiated the commercialization of its first EDS powered platform, the SYNTAX system.

To date, DNA Script has raised over $315M of financing, with leading investors such as Coatue Management, Fidelity Management and Research, Catalio Capital Management, Casdin Capital, LSP, Bpifrance Large Ventures, Danaher, Illumina Ventures, Agilent, Merck Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Kurma Partners, T Rowe Price, Baillie Gifford and Eurazeo.

DNA Script also partners on technology and product development with leading organizations such as DARPA, IARPA, Moderna Therapeutics, GE Research, Illumina, the Broad Institute, Harvard University, Institut Pasteur and the French Department of Defense.

DNA Script has its research and manufacturing facilities headquartered in Paris, France, and is in the process of expanding its commercial and development teams in South San Francisco.

Opportunity and Challenges :

We are looking to assemble a team of best-in-class, innovative and passionately eager people. We want to gather their talents and skills to achieve one goal: unlock the power of “DNA-write.” We offer the opportunity of joining a dynamic, international, and highly skilled team in a pioneering startup. Our DNA On Demand platform not only has the potential to change the way the world makes and uses synthetic DNA, but also to accelerate the rate of discovery by delivering upon the promise of same-day results.

This is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and to have a large impact on developing a technology that will have far-reaching impacts across biological sciences.

The role

We are looking for a Quality Control Technician located in South San Francisco, California. The Quality Control Technician will be responsible for ensuring that the reagents and instruments (Syntax) produced meet company requirements. This compliance will be assessed by running QC tests on the Syntax instrument, performing enzymatic synthesis on a liquid handler, analyzing by capillary electrophoresis, and documenting the results, for the reagents involved in enzymatic DNA synthesis (such as buffers). Some other tests may include pH, conductivity, spectrophotometry UV, visual appearance, etc.

He/she/they will be primarily collaborating with the manufacturing and product development teams based in SSF. They will be directly involved in the reporting of DNA Script product performances and contribute to their improvement. The position will require significant interdisciplinary communication: mostly with the manufacturing teams in France and the US, the R&D synthesis team (France) and the product development team (France & USA).

This person will be the first direct report for the Quality Control Manager in SSF. He/she/they will be the primary operator for most reagent and instrument validation experimental runs conducted inside the Quality Control department, with compliance to ISO 13485. The ideal candidate must be autonomous, eager to learn, proactive, meticulous, and curious. This person must be adaptable, communicative, and able to handle multiple tasks in parallel.

Responsibilities

• Instrument & Reagent Validation Duties: (70%)
• Maintain inventory of reagents, consumables, stocks, and ordering as needed.
• Receive and maintain the reagents/consumables from the manufacturing team on a weekly basis and record details.
• Follow Work Instruction, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Test Methods, and other documentation written to validate manufactured batches of reagents and instruments.
• Analyze results and document on prescribed forms in QC.
• Communicate results inside the QC department and assist with communicating the results to the Manufacturing team to release the product.
• Assist the QC supervisor in data trending and tracking as needed. Present findings in team meetings.
• QC Lab Operations: (25%)
• Be responsible for the maintenance and good performances of the equipment used (liquid handler and capillary gel electrophoresis system)
• Perform inter-team lab operation duties such as receiving deliveries, follow-up on quotes, new orders, backorders, and alternative solutions.
• Maintain inventory of reagents, consumables, stocks and ordering as needed.
• Maintain a clean work environment including glassware, instrumentation, and overall workspace.
• Work with the purchasing department to ensure follow-up on quotes, new orders, etc.
• General Quality Duties: (5%)
• Participate in writing and reviewing of the documentation needed to perform the tasks assigned (Test Methods, Work Instructions, SOPs, …)
• Actively contribute to critical company milestones, with a willingness to work outside immediate area of expertise when required.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Associate degree in biological or Chemistry Sciences with 3+ years of relevant experience or a B.S./B.A. degree with minimum 1+ years’ experience in Biotechnology sciences, Molecular biology, Quality, or Manufacturing
• At least 1 year of experience in biotech laboratory or similar role.
• Experience working under GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and/or following documentation and compliance practices listed in: ISO 9001/13485, 21CFR Part 820 or BPF/GMP.
• Experience with laboratory safety procedures and documentation
• Seeking an autonomous, proactive, meticulous, and curious individual
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong documentation skills and ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Desirable

• Experience in regulated environment (i.e. Manufacturing or Quality)
• Experience in the biotech/pharma industry
• Experience in using liquid handling systems, capillary electrophoresis.
• Experience in reagent preparation, validation, and qualification.
• Experience in Molecular Biology applications including but not limited to: qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS.
• Communication skills in French

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision. Company pays 95% of premiums for employees and dependents. We have lots of plans available including HMOs, PPOs, HDHPs, etc.
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with 4% match
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Other employee-funded plans including pre-tax commuter, HSA, and FSA
• EAP
• Mental health support with Sesh
• Competitive parental leave policy

Additional Information

• Job located in South San Francisco
• Start date: ASAP

• Initial screening with the hiring manager
• Day interview at the office (or remote) with the manager, cofounders, HR and the rest of the team
• Reference Checks
• Timing: 2-3 weeks

Contact

marissa.kane@dnascript.co