Sr Research Associate, Tech Transfer

You will perform manual production steps for workflows that have not yet been fully automated, while partnering closely with R&D scientists and operations to vet new processes before and during their transfer into manufacturing. This person should be able to run experiments independently, communicate effectively, and optimize processes to drive CPI and NPI success, executing experiments that deliver high-quality end products for our customers. The work can vary between DNA and protein work, so the ability to learn new techniques and methodologies quickly is a real asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, escalating when plans fall outside established protocols.
• Support the build-out and vetting of new processes ahead of launch, working closely with R&D scientists, automation engineers, operators, and LIMS developers to confirm a process is ready for production.
• Perform manual experiments with the intention of automating them for production processing of new or in-development workflows, helping fulfill early access orders while automation is still being built out.
• Identify process gaps, bottlenecks, and risks before they reach manufacturing, and help implement optimizations.
• Serve as a vigilant check on process quality, catching inconsistencies or at-risk steps and raising them before they affect downstream production or customer orders.
• Support the writing of work instructions and training materials for manufacturing operators.
• Operate a range of automated and manual lab equipment to execute experiments and production runs.
• Support testing & validating Twist's LIMS platforms to generate, track, and analyze data.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize data, and communicate findings clearly across cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and train others on new processes and best practices.
• Maintain thorough, organized, and audit-ready experimental and production records.

Qualifications and Required Skills

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field, with at least 4 years of relevant industry or research experience; or an M.S. in a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong, hands-on background in molecular biology techniques, DNA or protein purification, DNA quantification, PCR, enzymatic and or cell-based assays, including antibody characterization assays.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound scientific judgment with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Comfortable partnering cross-functionally with R&D and operations, as well as automation engineers, LIMS developers, and R&D scientists to support building and vetting new processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present data clearly and work effectively across teams.
• Able to prepare technical documents, including SOPs, data summaries, and technical or analytical reports.
• Comfortable working in a LEAN manufacturing or controlled laboratory environment, including supporting manual processing ahead of automation.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with a track record of catching issues before they escalate.
• Experience mentoring or training other lab staff.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with lab automation.
• Experience with SQL and/or JSON.
• Experience using LIMS systems.
• Experience working with antibodies.
• Experience supporting new product or process launches, including Early Access or limited-release programs.
• Familiarity with manufacturing lab environments.