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 RoleWe are looking for a Project Leader to lead the development and primary screen activities of our proprietary DNA polymerase variants (TdT).You will join the Enzyme Engineering team composed of over 10 scientists and reports directly the Enzyme Engineering Group leader.You will be responsible for the following engineering activities: enzyme design, library construction and primary screen.You will collaborate closely with the TdT team in charge of further hits characterization.You also be in charge of the development of new primary screens.This is a great opportunity to lead the enzyme engineering project and move the enzymatic DNA synthesis technology forward!Responsibilities• Lead the TdT primary screening team and continue to build out a growing team• Manage the primary screening operations and screen development activities• Design strategies for next generation TdT• Construct TdT libraries• Oversee and participate in the primary screening process• Guide the development of activity assays to rapidly screen library hits as needed• Analyze and communicate the data• Write reports and presentations• This is 50% wet lab positionQualifications and experienceEssential• PhD in the protein engineering field (preferably directed evolution of enzymes)• Have at least 1O years of experience in a relevant field• Have at least 5 years of industrial experience in R&D project management• Hands-on experience in cloning (libraries, directed mutagenesis), expression/purification/handling of proteins• Good track record of effective protein engineering work• Experience in the development of micro-plate screening assays• Knowledgeable in the protein structure analysis• Enzyme kinetics and mechanism understanding• Excellent organizational, analytical, and systematic troubleshooting skills,• Sense of humor• Good command of the English language• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a deep commitment to working as part of teams• Ability to learn new techniques, to problem solve, and to have a sustained record of productivity.Desirable• Strong fundamentals in physical chemistry• Experience in enzyme engineering of DNA-modifying enzymes is a plusMiscellaneous• Job located in Kremlin-Bicêtre (Paris area)• Start date: ASAP

Recruitment Process:

• 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