Molecular Biology and DNA Production Associate

Planet Pharma

Molecular Biology and DNA Production Associate

Location

South San Francisco, CA

Category: Scientific

Salary

Apply for details

Country: United States

Employment: Contract

Worksite: On-Site

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Associate will support Discovery Protein Science by carrying out established molecular-biology, cloning, DNA-production, and sequencing workflows in a collaborative laboratory environment. The role will help project teams produce high-quality DNA reagents, including plasmid DNA, linear expression cassettes (LECs), and sequence-verified constructs. The individual will follow established procedures, maintain accurate records in internal systems, and contribute to routine laboratory operations under appropriate guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute DNA-production workflows, including Maxipreps, Gigapreps, and 96-well plasmid DNA minipreps using automation equipment.
• Quantify DNA using 96-well instrumentation, such as NanoDrop and Lunatic.
• Perform PCR to generate LECs for cell-free expression and other project-supported workflows.
• Conduct molecular-cloning activities, including ligation, transformation, colony picking, minipreps, and work with multiple E. coli strains.
• Support high-throughput sequencing workflows, including initial sequencing and sublot sequence reverification.
• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately in internal LIMS and electronic laboratory systems.
• Maintain laboratory readiness through media preparation, reagent and consumable inventory management, kit and restriction-enzyme tracking, and liquid-nitrogen tank refilling.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional partners to meet project timelines and shifting research priorities.
• Follow all applicable laboratory safety, sterile-technique, and operational-compliance requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• An associate or bachelors degree in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline is preferred.
• Up to two years of laboratory, academic laboratory, internship, or related technical experience; relevant coursework or training may be considered.
• Careful attention to detail and ability to follow written laboratory procedures accurately and consistently.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in plasmid preparation, PCR, bacterial transformation, or related molecular-biology workflows.
• Familiarity with liquid-handling automation equipment, such as Viaflow, Hamilton, or comparable systems.
• Exposure to laboratory-information-management systems or electronic laboratory notebooks is a plus.
• Awareness of sequencing workflows and sequence-verification concepts is a plus.
• Experience or interest in supporting laboratory inventory, reagent preparation, and routine equipment upkeep.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a fast-paced research environment.

Top 3 Must-Have Skill Sets:

• Foundational Molecular Biology Skills

• Basic laboratory training or experience with PCR, DNA purification, plasmid preparation, or molecular cloning.

• Willingness to learn bacterial transformation, colony picking, and miniprep processes using established procedures.

• Accurate Laboratory Execution

• Ability to perform routine DNA-preparation and DNA-quantification tasks accurately after training.

• Comfort using pipettes and basic laboratory equipment; experience with multichannel pipettes or automated tools is a plus.

• Ability to support sequencing submission and sample-tracking activities after training.

• Attention to Detail and Teamwork

• Ability to maintain accurate records and enter information into internal laboratory systems after training.

• Ability to follow protocols, manage assigned tasks, and ask for guidance or escalate issues when needed.

• Collaborative communication with scientists, operations staff, and team members.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Perform maxi-, giga-, and 96-well plasmid DNA preparations.

• Prepare media and reagents; monitor inventories of enzymes, kits, and consumables.

• Quantify DNA using NanoDrop, Lunatic, or equivalent 96-well instrumentation.

• Generate LECs by PCR for cell-free expression.

• Update sample and workflow information in internal LIMS systems.

• Conduct ligation, transformation, colony picking, miniprep, and sequence-verification workflows.

• Support high-throughput sequencing, including initial sequencing and sublot reverification.

• Work safely and maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment.

• Equal Opportunity Employer

• We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.

• Fraud Alert

• Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet Pharma domain and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.

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