DNA Script

DNA Script is a leading company in the production of nucleic acids for genomic, synthetic biology and biopharmaceutical applications.

Our clean, efficient Enzymatic DNA Synthesis (EDS) technology, implemented on a benchtop instrument (the SYNTAX), accelerates innovation in life science and biotechnology through the decentralization of rapid, on demand and high quality DNA synthesis.

Our approach builds upon nature's billions of years of evolution in enzymatically synthesizing DNA, setting new standards for assembling nucleic acids to accelerate scientific discovery and DNA/RNA production in disciplines with profound impacts upon humanity.

DNA Script has a broad stable of high quality investors and is capitalized to continue its progress to full commercialization of the technology and products. We are building an organization across our two sites, in Paris and San Francisco, with the talent, skills and attitude to achieve our mission: to unlock the power of “DNA-write”.

This is an opportunity for a dynamic individual to join an international and highly skilled team, and to make significant contributions to commercializing a technology with far-reaching potential across the biological sciences and beyond.

The Role

Reporting to the VP of Product Management, the Director, Applications is responsible for leading a team of field applications scientists supporting customers’ effective use of the Syntax instrument, and a small Paris-based applications team supporting customers in their downstream workflows and Product Marketing in generating content such as application notes, research papers, posters and other collateral to support market development.

The ideal candidate will have a deep scientific background in life science or biotech/biopharma R&D, and preferably have gene assembly and/or protein engineering expertise. They will bring a broad and deep understanding of nucleic acid synthesis, and a passion for working with customers, and internally, to push the frontiers of scientific research. They will also have previous field applications experience and be excellent communicators of scientific information to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead two scientific applications teams:
  • a field based team, supporting customers in their use of EDS technology on the Syntax instrument, and
  • an internal team, using Syntax-synthesized DNA in downstream applications such as gene assembly, RNA synthesis, protein engineering and genomics.
• Lead, develop and train the Applications teams to provide excellent customer service and conduct great science, to grow DNA Script’s positioning as a customer-oriented scientific thought leader.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, academic collaborators and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
• Build and manage the annual budget for the Applications teams.
• Manage and prioritize Applications resources based on input from customers and from colleagues in Sales, Product Management and Product Marketing.
• Develop, maintain and manage a ~2 year roadmap for applications development, in areas such as gene assembly, protein engineering etc., to support business strategy.
• Continuously improve instrument and EDS workflow performance, both in the field and internal to DNA Script, by collating customer and FAS feedback and sharing it effectively with stakeholders.
• Maintain a calendar of collateral generation events and milestones to ensure a steady stream of application-related materials to support the Sales and Marketing teams, including application notes, posters, webinars, conference presentations etc.
• Work closely with colleagues in Product Marketing, Research, Product Development and IP to stay aware of industry developments, opportunities and threats.

Requirements

• A higher degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• 8+ years’ experience in lab-based roles in life science or biotechnology companies, with a track record of strong customer-facing interaction.
• 5+ years’ experience of leading scientific teams in lab-based or field applications environments.
• Demonstrated team management and skills and leadership ability.
• Excellent influencing and relationship management abilities and a core focus on improving customer satisfaction & engagement through the application of great science.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and planning skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• High proficiency in scientific writing and presentation, and in using graphical and other software to effectively and attractively communicate scientific information to a broad range of audiences from expert to non-scientific.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and adaptive environment.

Miscellaneous

• Job location: Paris, France; on site.
• Travel: Approx. 25% to global customers and to SF Bay Area site.
• Start date: As soon as possible.