Elegen is blazing a path towards a biology-based economy with a highly innovative approach to DNA synthesis that delivers an industry leading length of 7kb in 7 business days with a 99.999% per base accuracy. Our multidisciplinary team of best-in-class biologists, chemists, hardware, and software engineers apply cutting-edge technologies and methods to solve critical bottlenecks in synthetic biology workflows to help our customers in pharma, biotech, agbio, and biomanufacturing streamline their work and realize the full potential of programmable biology.
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Applications Scientist to support the development of content demonstrating the use of Elegen products in scientific applications. The principal focus of the role is to execute scientific experiments both independently and collaboratively to support commercial objectives.
You will be expected to support the development and execution of an applications content plan and to produce data and content compelling to researchers in the target applications and markets for Elegen products.
This is mostly a hands-on role in the laboratory. You will be expected to design and execute experiments, troubleshoot, analyze, and present your data in technical discussions to support internal teams. You will collaborate with R&D, automation, bioinformatics, and manufacturing groups to use protocols and groundbreaking technologies in scalable DNA production. You will be expected to track and report on key performance indicators related to application development deliverables.
A successful applicant will need to demonstrate hands-on experience in a variety of molecular biology techniques, mostly related to DNA assembly, cloning and downstream applications, as well as broad knowledge on synthetic DNA & RNA applications. A successful candidate will have experience thriving in a dynamic and rapidly evolving organization that requires individuals to work proactively and independently across a diverse range of tasks to exceed goals despite having limited resources.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently design, execute and troubleshoot molecular biology projects to support content development for Marketing and Sales teams. Projects will include support for:
- Application development roadmap
- Successful use of Elegen products in scientific applications
- Technical assistance to the Sales team
- Commercial collaborations with Elegen partners, KOLs, and customers
- Carry out experiments and gather data in a systematic manner with good laboratory practices.
- Prepare and clearly communicate experimental methodology and data summaries.
- Work cross-functionally and collaborate with R&D, automation, bioinformatics, and manufacturing groups.
- Keep updated on current advances in scientific research trends to identify opportunities and . report insights regularly.
- Demonstrate a bias for action and results but with careful attention to details.
- Remain appropriately reactive and responsive, taking full responsibility to resolve issues and regain momentum in a fast, dynamic and resource-limited environment.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- PhD in biology or a related life sciences field with 1-2 years or MS/BS with 5-8 years of laboratory experience, preferably in genetic medicine or synthetic biology fields.
- Good understanding and previous experience in molecular biology and common genomics.
- Workflows and techniques such as PCR, qPCR, cloning, assembly, gene editing, gel electrophoresis.
- Experience with synthetic biology approaches including DNA synthesis (e.g. Polymerase cycling assembly), plasmid assembly techniques (e.g. Gibson, Golden Gate), RNA transcription via IVT
- Experience with DNA & RNA handling, quantification, and purification.
- Experience in protein expression, purification and analysis.
- Experience with various NGS workflows including library preparation.
- Competence in using bioinformatics tools and software for sequence analysis, primers and constructs design, and data interpretation. This includes understanding sequence alignments, genome editing tools, and analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
- Ability to critically analyze experimental results, interpret data, and draw meaningful conclusions. This includes statistical analysis and data visualization using R, Excel, Python or similar.
- Demonstrated eagerness to enhance one’s scientific skills and knowledge by seeking a deep understanding of biological processes.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to clearly and concisely present data to a wide range of stakeholders with varying levels of domain knowledge.
- Strong track record of working in a highly collaborative environment on multidisciplinary projects.
- Detail-oriented with effective time management skills.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
- Experience conducting experiments to support the development of cell and gene therapy.
- Experience in the design of experiments and statistical data analysis.
- Experience with automated liquid handling systems.
Salary and Benefits:
The annual base salary compensation for this role, if based in California is: $130,000 - $154,000. Compensation may be different in other locations. Final compensation also includes bonus, equity and benefits. Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location.
✓ Healthcare ✓ Dental ✓ Vision ✓ Learning Allowance
✓ 401K ✓ Flexible PTO ✓ Short Term Disability ✓ Fitness Allowance
About The Company:
Founded and led by Dr. Matthew Hill and located in San Carlos, CA, Elegen is well-capitalized by top life science investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and KdT. The company is advised and staffed by leading biotechnology scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Marc Unger, inventor of the Nanoflex™ valve, and former CSO of Fluidigm. Dr. Hill has a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of advancing innovative technologies from invention to commercial success. Over eight years in his previous role as VP of R&D at a leading molecular diagnostics company, he co-invented and launched five precision molecular diagnostic products, including a best-in-class noninvasive prenatal test used by millions. These products earn more than $350 million per year in revenue and enabled an IPO.
Elegen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elegen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law. All applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
Top Skills
What We Do
We are now at the dawn of the synthetic biology revolution, which will spawn new applications, markets, and business models, improving human lives in countless ways. This revolution will be driven by new technologies that enable DNA writing at speed and scale.
To catalyze this revolution, Elegen is creating a suite of ground-breaking technologies to achieve DNA writing with unparalleled speed, cost, and quality. Elegen is unlocking the power to reprogram biology and create biologic solutions in order to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Founded and led by Dr. Matthew Hill and located in San Carlos, CA, Elegen is a stealth-mode company that is well capitalized by top life science investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and KdT. The company is advised and staffed by leading biotechnology scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Marc Unger, inventor of the Nanoflex™ valve and former CSO of Fluidigm. Dr. Hill has a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of advancing innovative technologies from invention to commercial success.
