Scientist – Molecular Cloning & Automation

Eurofins USA PSS Insourcing Solutions

Scientist – Molecular Cloning & Automation

Boston, MA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    We are seeking a skilled Scientist – Molecular Cloning & Automation to lead plasmid design, DNA assembly, and scalable workflow development. You will apply advanced cloning strategies and build automated solutions to support high-throughput construct generation, ensuring quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery across multiple programs.

    Job Responsibilities

    • Design and execute end-to-end plasmid workflows, translating protein or guide RNA sequences into verified, production-ready constructs
    • Select and apply appropriate cloning strategies (e.g., Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, restriction-ligation) based on construct complexity
    • Develop, implement, and scale automated workflows for high-throughput plasmid production, including:
      • Liquid handling platforms (Hamilton STAR, Opentrons, Beckman Biomek)
      • Automated colony picking systems (e.g., QPix)
      • High-throughput miniprep processes
    • Establish and manage tiered QC pipelines (colony PCR, restriction digest, Sanger and/or long-read sequencing) while maintaining accurate construct documentation
    • Oversee CRO and vendor relationships for outsourced cloning and gene synthesis, including construct submission, timeline management, and QC review
    • Partner cross-functionally to deliver constructs on time, managing multiple concurrent requests with clear, proactive communication
  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    Required Qualifications:

    • B.S. with 5+ years, M.S. with 3+ years, or Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant industry experience in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field
    • Expert proficiency in Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, and restriction-ligation cloning, with the ability to select optimal strategies
    • Strong knowledge of plasmid biology, including origins of replication, selection markers, promoter design, codon optimization, and management of recombination-prone sequences
    • Hands-on PCR experience, including polymerase selection (e.g., Q5, Phusion), primer design, and troubleshooting challenging amplicons.
    • Experience managing CRO/vendors for gene synthesis or outsourced cloning
    • Proficiency with Benchling or similar ELN for construct tracking and QC documentation
    • Familiarity with sequence design and visualization tools (e.g., SnapGene, Geneious)
    • Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous cloning projects and deliver high-quality constructs on timeline
    • Strong communication skills with a collaborative, cross-functional mindset

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience programming, validating, and troubleshooting liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Beckman, Tecan, Opentrons)
    • Familiarity with automated colony picking and high-throughput plasmid prep workflows
    • Experience with pooled oligo cloning, including library design, bias mitigation, and NGS-based QC analysis
    • Background in lentiviral or pooled library cloning workflows
    • Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (PacBio or Nanopore)
    • Exposure to gene therapy applications (AAV, LVV, mRNA, CAR-T) and downstream construct use
    • Experience supporting IVT template design or mRNA production workflows
    • Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

    Additional Information

    _ What to Expect in the Hiring Process:_

    • 10-15 Minute Phone Interview with Region Recruiter
    • 45-60 Minute Virtual Interview with Manager and/or Group Leader
    • 30 Minute In-Person Onsite Meeting with the Team

    _ Additional Details:_

    The position is Full Time, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of Boston, MA are encouraged to apply.

    _ Excellent full-time benefits include:_

    • Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
    • Life and disability insurance
    • 401(k) with company match
    • Paid vacation and holidays
    • Hourly rate is between $45.00-$48.00, depending on education and experience

    Eurofins USA PSS Insourcing Solutions is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

  • Compensation
    $45-$45