Position: Research Scientist I, Enzyme Development

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Location: Boulder, CO (onsite)

Department: R&D - EDG

Experience: PhD and 0-3+ yrs industry experience; MS/MA and 3-6+ yrs industry experience; BS/BA and 5-8+ yrs industry experience

Position Summary

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Research Scientist 1, Enzyme Development based in Boulder, CO.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This is an onsite/in-office position.

The position provides an opportunity to grow and develop as a scientist and gain valuable experience in product development and commercialization.

The position will be responsible for product development, characterization, and process development (fermentation and purification) for new and existing enzyme products. This individual will be responsible for executing and documenting experimental protocols and will work closely with the broader scientific, manufacturing, and new product development teams. The scope of experimentation will cover Watchmaker’s enzyme product suite for internal and external use in genomics applications. Quality of work is of paramount importance as results will be used to determine long term manufacturing strategies. Data generated by this individual may be shared at conferences and/or in peer-reviewed literature, in webinars, marketing brochures, on the website, or directly to customers seeking technical support.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform enzyme research & development experiments including: small scale bioreactor fermentation, FPLC purification optimization, enzyme characterization (biophysical, functional, and kinetic), and molecular biology assays
• Design and execute experiments, and implement and maintain laboratory protocols
• Carefully interpret data and accurately document the details of all experiments in an electronic lab notebook
• Contribute to a team responsible for launch of commercially successful genomics products through customer collaborations and product technical support
• Identify and implement opportunities for internal continuous process improvement

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical/biological engineering or a related discipline and directly relevant research experience (or equivalent degree and experience). Experience in the following areas is considered highly desirable: molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes), enzyme kinetics and characterization, bioprocessing, bioreactor fermentation, FPLC purification, protein HPLC, Next-Gen Sequencing, and genomics. Knowledge of protein manufacturing and product development are a plus. Experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and analyze molecular biology & bioprocessing lab work to determine next steps in a project
• Experience with standard bioprocessing techniques such as fermentation, FPLC purification, and functional molecular biology assays
• Strong writing skills with ability to record and communicate scientific content
• Ability to effectively communicate novel scientific concepts
• The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines and work without supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team
• Excellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Good communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative
• Drives granular project planning including proposing project timelines, resource requirements, and project management as a scientific lead
• A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving
• Time management and prioritization under deadlines

Education and Experience

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical/biological engineering, or related discipline with 0-3+ years relevant industry experience
• or MS with 3-6+ years relevant industry experience
• or BS with 5-8+ years of relevant industry experience

Compensation

The base compensation for the Research Scientist 1, Enzyme Development role starts at $83,000-87,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

*** NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.

*** WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.