Bench Scientist - Level 3

Bench Scientist - Level 3
The primary focus of the role is to support the directed evolution platform by participating in the design, construction, and expression of enzyme libraries. The successful candidate would participate on an interdisciplinary team tasked with providing fit for purpose enzymes to chemistry project teams.
Basic qualifications:
• MS in Molecular Biology or related field with 5+ years relevant experience, preferably industrial, or Ph.D. with 1-2 years experience (will consider BS degree with relevant experience, but not recent grads)
• Proficiency in modern molecular biology techniques
• Demonstrated expertise with enzyme expression systems
• Experience with synthetic biology and enzyme engineering techniques
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams, displaying excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Preferred qualifications:
• Familiarity with next-generation DNA sequencing, high-throughput liquid handling and automation equipment
• Experience optimizing enzyme expression, especially for high-throughput applications
• Experience constructing, manipulating, and optimizing multi-enzyme pathways
• Knowledge of standard bioinformatics and structural analysis tools
• Understanding of directed evolution approaches including both random and rational methods
• Understanding of biocatalysis and vaccines
Key responsibilities:
• Experimental design and engineering of single enzymes and multi-enzyme pathways for optimal expression
• Work closely with bioinformatics scientists to design mutant enzyme libraries
• Utilize high throughput cloning technology to construct mutant enzyme libraries
• Work closely with biochemistry and analytical scientists to identify and resolve barriers to protein evolution
• Acquire starting genes for evolution and construct expression vectors
• Prepare enzyme panels for reaction screening
• Optimize 96-well protein expression in various host organisms
• Scale up fermentation to provide biocatalyst for proof of concept chemistry
• Manipulate large-scale datasets using MS Excel and equipment interfacing programs.
• Familiar with electronic lab notebook
• Liaise with scientists & external collaborators at all levels
• Generate conclusion reports, present data in team meetings & participate in writing of abstracts & publications
• Conduct scientific work programs and make contributions both independently or as a member of a team with other R&D staff
• Work through problems logically and apply innovative solutions (appropriate to grade)
• Adopt new technologies and apply them to project work
• Maintain customer focus, motivate self, and demonstrate a high degree of urgency
• Use scientific literature and database resources in the execution of project related work
• Exhibit flexibility, being open to new ways of working

SRG is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law.