Research Associate, Protein Engineering

Element Biosciences is a multi-disciplinary startup focused on innovating genetic analysis tools for the research and clinical markets. The Company's technology will broaden the end user experience through improved data quality and simplified workflows to benefit discoveries and diagnosis in healthcare.

Seeking a Scientist contributor for exciting well-funded and long-term multi-venture backed Life Sciences and IVD start-up company.  Ideal candidates will work with cross-functional departments to understand enzyme requirements and build assays and characterization tools to determine if enzymes meet specifications. Candidates are expected to have the technical expertise and drive to work independently and in combination with a small team to deliver understanding and mitigations to enzyme performance and stability.  Characterization methods will employ both solution-based and surface interaction-based studies. Develops advanced methods/techniques for testing and evaluation.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
·       Generation of targeted mutant libraries
·       Generation of random mutant libraries
·       Manage plasmid and cell banks
·       Maintain records and present results
·       Other duties as assigned


REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
·      
Must have experience in the following technical areas:
o   Wide knowledge and application of various cloning techniques
o   Cloning procedures including (but not limited to) quikchange and Gibson assembly. Experience to know when to employ which cloning strategy.
o   PCR of difficult targets
o   Sterile technique
o   Cell culture
o   NGS library construction is a plus
·      
Desired experience in the following technical areas:
o   Vector construction and manipulation
o   Error-prone PCR
o   Construction and QC of libraries of various sizes
o   Enzymatic manipulation of plasmid DNA
o   Library QC
·      
Additional skills
o   Success in this position requires frequent communication with peers and management. These relationships must be built on respect, integrity, cooperation, teamwork, and professionalism.
o   Excellent problem solving and project management skills
o   Diligent record keeping and attention to detail
o   Ability to work under tight timelines


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
·    Minimum Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry, or equivalent field of study, with 1-3 years of relevant lab research experience (an equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered)


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
·       Must be able to lift 15 pounds


TRAVEL:  N/A

We are passionate about our mission to develop high performing products to study genomics in an unprecedented flexibility and to understand biology for the improvement of healthcare. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment.  We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.   We offer excellent benefits, which include a 401K plan, competitive health benefits, flexible vacation, and equity incentives. 

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.