Scientist – Molecular Cloning & Automation

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

• 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

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