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Willow Biosciences

Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Assay & Analytics

Willow Biosciences, Sunnyvale, California, United States, 94087


About Willow Biosciences : Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company that develops biobased processes for production of ingredients in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and consumer care sectors. Willow’s FutureGrownTM and BioOxiTM platforms were built to revolutionize industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable ingredients with sustainability at its core. Our fully integrated bio-based processes are more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective than traditional extraction or chemical synthesis routes and typically provide products of higher purity and yield.

Mission, Values and Beliefs : At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity compounds to market through scalable and cost-effective bio-based processes. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun while we are at it!

Job Listing:

Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Assay & Analytics: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Scientist to lead our Assay & Analytics team. This role will oversee the development and implementation of HTP screening methods and workflows, driving the advancement of our product pipeline and technological capabilities in the field of synthetic biology. The ideal candidate should have a strong and proven combination of technical, managerial, and strategic skills, along with specific experience in assay development and automation workflows for HTP screening.

Education & Experience : in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. 5-8 years of R&D experience working directly with analytical instruments and operating lab automation equipment in an industrial research setting (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or Life Sciences Industries), including at least 1 year in a leadership or management role. Demonstrated experience in supporting programs that utilize genetic engineering, genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), metabolic engineering, multi-variate enzyme engineering, and other synthetic biology techniques. Proven leadership experience, including mentoring junior scientists, and participating in strategic planning with management to align R&D efforts with company goals. Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and communication with internal teams and external partners. The ideal candidate should understand the process of translating research into commercial products and manage intellectual property effectively.

Location : Sunnyvale, CA, US

Job Description :

Collaborate with the SVP of R&D to set priorities, establish milestones, and allocate resources within the analytics team effectively.

Lead the development, validation, and execution of analytical methods for detection and quantification of molecules of interest in engineered microorganisms (e.g.: yeast and

E.coli ).

Support multiple R&D programs, ensuring that analytical data is delivered on time and with high quality.

Develop and maintain project plans, track progress, and address any issues or risks that may arise.

Mentor and manage a high-performing team of scientists.

Work alongside scientists to conduct weekly high-throughput screening workflow including culturing, preparing reagents & samples, extracting samples, and analyzing samples with HPLC/UPLC and GC with various detection methods (mass spectrometry, DAD, FID).

Lead optimization of protocols for HTP workflows and analytical method development.

Apply a broad range of standard analytical methods to analyze fermentation samples and characterize strains.

Oversee processing & analyzing of data to ensure delivery of high-quality data in a timely manner to support all R&D projects.

Hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC, GCMS, LCMS; experience with Agilent LCMS/GCMS and Thermo Q Exactive is a plus.

Familiarity with operating, calibrating, and maintaining robotic liquid handlers (e.g., Bravo), HPLC/UPLC, GCMS, LCMS, incubators/shakers, and other standard laboratory equipment.

Implementation of best practices and process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of overall R&D efforts.

Maintain timely documentation of laboratory work; provide written documentation and specifications of analytical workflows (SOPs).

Effectively communicate/present work and analysis to other stakeholders with diverse technical backgrounds (scientists and management).

Job Requirements :

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).

Demonstrated leadership skills.

Attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practice.

Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing business and R&D needs.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines.

Experience working with ELN and LIMS (Benchling preferred).

Be curious, creative, and tenacious.

Model our core values and believe in our mission.

Physical Demands:

Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods.

Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists.

Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves).

Position Type:

Full-time position (on-site)

Travel:

Not required

Work Authorization : Authorized to work in the US.

Benefits:

Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental.

Paid vacation and company holidays.

Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance.

Opportunities for professional development.

Company and team-wide social events.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Willow Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

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