Team Lead, Yeast Synthetic Biology

About NeochromosomeNeochromosome (part of Opentrons) is a biotech startup whose disruptive chromosome synthesis and engineering technologies are changing the world of synthetic biology. Rather than piecemeal editing of an existing genome, Neo delivers entire chromosomes designed de novo to be modular and orthogonal to the host cell. Neos work has revolutionized the Design - Build - Deliver paradigm for biological engineering with a focus on higher eukaryotic cells for expression of commercially valuable biological pathways.Neos team has highly unique experience building the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome for the Sc2.0 project, and with the backing of Opentrons automation and engineering, is working to unlock the next generation of synthetic biology applications.About the role:As the Leader of the Yeast Synthetic Biology Team, the candidate will be responsible for managing a
team of 15 wet lab scientists and delivering audaciously large-scale yeast genome synthetic biology
projects. The candidate will enthusiastically drive success by instilling a critical path mindset to the
team and relentlessly focusing on executing against deadlines. The Yeast Synthetic Biology Team will
work alongside a dynamic group of scientists, product managers, and software and automation
engineers who are part of the Design and Synthetic Biology Foundry teams to drive successful next-gen
yeast cell product development.This role reports to the Head of Business Unit.Responsibilities:Participate in defining milestones, deliverables and/or timelines for all projects in conjunction
with the Design and Synthetic Biology Foundry teams.Manage a team of wet lab scientists with expertise in yeast genetics and biology to achieve
defined goals.Execute against milestones to deliver on time or ahead of time results for large-scale yeast
genome manipulation projects.Manage development and implementation of optimized workflows for large-scale yeast genome
manipulation projects, leveraging automation where appropriate.Constantly evaluate and refine lab workflows and interface with process, software and
automation engineers to ensure process optimization.Quantify and communicate results of the team within the organization via presentations and written reports.Maintain world-leading knowledge in the field of synthetic biology.Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions,
interactions, and communications with others.Basic qualifications:PhD in genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, biology, bioengineering, or related field.Deep expertise in yeast genetics and genome manipulation gained through at least 3 years ofhands-on experience working with S. cerevisiae in a lab setting.At least 2 years of experience managing 10 person+ teams.Demonstrated success leading complex, team-based and milestone driven projects.Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary teamGreat analytical skills and a logical approach to problem solving.Strong communication skills, both written and oral.Ability to execute and thrive in a dynamic startup environment.Advanced qualifications:Experience working with long synthetic DNA molecules.Agile project management experience.Previous experience implementing lab automation workflows to enable high throughput experiments.Experience debugging complex synthetic genetic systems.About OpentronsCurrently, over 90% of biologists in the world run experiments with manual pipettes, moving tiny amounts of liquid from vial to vial by hand. Thats why Opentrons makes robots for biologists that are 10x cheaper and easier to use than any lab automation before. Our robots automate experiments that would otherwise be done by hand so our users can spend less time pipetting and more time pursuing answers to the 21st centurys most important questions. Opentrons robotics are in use in over 40 countries around the world and have been adopted by top-tier institutions like Stanford, Harvard, Merck, and Roche. Opentrons is VC-backed with investors including Khosla Ventures, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, and Y Combinator.Opentrons is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.#LI-DNIDepartment:
Neochromosome
Location:
Long Island City, NY