Laboratory Technician II, Oligo/Gene Synthesis

What You'll Do

• Independently perform all oligo synthesis and downstream processing steps with little to no oversight, ensuring orders and production batches are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Execute production batches in accordance with approved SOPs, batch records, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Perform in-process and final quality checks on raw materials, reagents, intermediates, and finished products; identify and escalate results that do not meet specifications.
• Operate laboratory automation and production equipment, including liquid handlers, oligo synthesizers, SpeedVacs, centrifuges, and related instruments.
• Perform and document routine and preventive maintenance, minor troubleshooting, part replacement, and instrument calibration coordination.
• Assist with troubleshooting production or equipment issues and partner with management and cross-functional teams to restore smooth operations.
• Accurately track production data, quality results, maintenance activities, and process metrics in systems such as LIMS and approved spreadsheets.
• Participate in technical studies, process validations, and continuous improvement initiatives; identify process gaps and help implement new technologies or workflow improvements.
• Create or edit SOPs, work instructions, and other controlled documentation as assigned.
• Monitor and respond to the department email inbox with guidance from management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and comply with PPE, chemical handling, and hazardous materials requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Quality, R&D, Engineering, and other team members in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Support shifted schedules, including at least one weekend day, as business needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific field preferred.
• At least 9 months of experience in a GENEWIZ/Azenta laboratory or equivalent relevant oligo manufacturing, production, or laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced laboratory or production environment.
• Two or more years of experience in an oligo manufacturing environment.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling robots, oligo synthesizers, intricate hardware components, production software, and custom reagents.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance, replacing instrument parts, and coordinating calibration activities.
• Experience in a startup, scale-up, or rapidly changing production environment.
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and presentation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of oligo synthesis and normalization calculations.
• Ability to independently follow and pass required SOP training and testing, maintaining an 80% or higher pass rate.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine laboratory, process, and equipment issues and escalate appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, documentation, and data integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to change while maintaining order, quality, and productivity.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and receive feedback constructively.
• Desire to learn new processes and support a growing team.