The role
DNA Script is looking for a dynamic and talented individual to join the System Integration team, a part of DNA Script’s R&D department in charge of the development of new DNA synthesis process and instrumentation.
After synthesis, the freshly made RNA strands are left with a lot of components: enzymes, buffers, salts, detergents, and other impurities that can hinder the performance of the oligos in downstream applications. A cleaning procedure therefore needs to be applied before handing out the synthesized product to the clients.
The ideal procedure is not trivial to find, as it is critical to the company that it:
- preserves the highest RNA quantity possible
- preserves the purity of the synthesized RNA
- is automatable in the company’s instrument
- is as fast as possible, turn-around time being a very important feature of DNAS cript’s technology
The role of the candidate will be to find such purification protocols, first developing them on the bench, then proving they can be automated on liquid handler type robots. He or she will need to quickly master the different steps of the current purification process, to be able to propose alternatives and improvements.
You will work in a fast-paced, international, and challenging environment, with a direct impact on the company technology. The position will require a lot of transversal and interdisciplinary communication with the different company teams, especially the synthesis team, to optimize the cleavage, purification, and quantification of synthesized strands.
This Internship is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and contribute to the development of a new and revolutionary technology that will have far-reaching impact across biological sciences.
Responsibilities
Your missions will be to:
- Quickly grasp and understand the company’s current purification protocols
- Propose, develop, and test new protocols to make the post synthesis process more efficient, robust and reproducible
- Implement these protocols on an automated liquid handler, with the help of experts on these machines
- Perform in depth analysis of experimental data, write reports and present results across all levels of the company
- Actively contribute to critical company milestones, with a willingness to work outside immediate area of expertise when required
Qualifications and experience
Essential
Engineering degree in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry in link with life science
Knowledge in molecular biology and or biotechnology, particularly in DNA/RNA manipulation
Interest for the company’s technology and biotech in general
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with researchers, software engineers, hardware engineers
Fast-learner, autonomous, and versatile individual
Excellent organizational, analytical, and systematic troubleshooting skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Good level in English
Desirable
- Experience with automation, in particular liquid handlers
- Coding skills, especially in Python
- Excellent English skills and good French speaking level