Scientist / Sr Scientist / Staff Scientist (NGS Applications)

Scientist / Sr Scientist / Staff Scientist (NGS Applications) in South San Francisco 

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Scientist to join our dynamic Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) product development team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in evaluating, optimizing, and supporting cutting-edge NGS solutions, directly impacting the successful field adoption and innovation of our products. You will leverage your deep expertise in molecular biology and NGS workflows to generate high-quality data, provide critical technical insights, and drive scientific communication through publications and technical collateral.

Job title and compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's years of experience, individual skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide Molecular Biology Expertise: Apply advanced molecular biology techniques to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex NGS workflows, with a focus on maximizing data quality and experimental efficiency.
• Lead NGS Tools Evaluation & Optimization: Design and execute rigorous experimental plans to test and optimize various NGS library preparation kits and sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore) with our existing and prospective product lines, ensuring optimal performance and competitive positioning.
• Customer-Centric Support & Collateral Generation: Contribute to essential post-launch product support with experiments analyzing customer samples, troubleshooting issues, and author high-impact collateral (white papers, technical notes, application briefs) that provide guidance for our users.
• Product Development Input: Actively participate in the design, development, and validation of novel NGS library preparation kits and applications, offering critical experimental data and technical recommendations.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Perform initial assessment of NGS data (e.g., QC metrics, alignment, variant calling outcomes), employing computational tools to visualize and present complex data in a clear and concise  manner.
• Rigorously document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility across all projects.
• New Technology Implementation: Evaluate and integrate emerging NGS technologies and methodologies to continuously enhance our capabilities and keep our product offerings at the forefront of genomic research.

Qualifications and Required Skills

• Experience in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or combination of closely-related field and experience.
  • Scientist
    Requires a PhD and 0-2 years of previous professional experience;
    or a master's degree and 3-5 years of work experience
  • Sr Scientist
    Requires a Ph.D. and 2-5 years of professional experience (postdoc may count);
    or a master's degree and 5-7 years of work experience
  • Staff Scientist
    Requires a Ph.D. and 5-8 years of professional experience (postdoc may count);
    or a master's degree and 7 years of work experience
• Strong background in general Molecular Biology techniques including mechanical or enzymatic library preparations, NGS library analysis (e.g. Agilent BioAnalyzer and/or TapeStation assays), DNA purification (e.g. SPRI purification), DNA quantification (e.g. Qubit assays), and PCR/qPCR.
• Must have direct lab experience and background with Next Generation Sequencing Technology Platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Ion Torrent, Nanopore etc.), including corresponding sample preparation techniques, preparation and management of outputs from sequencing runs, and day-to-day operation and troubleshooting of physical equipment.
• Must have direct lab experience with NGS Target Enrichment Workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze NGS data output, interpret results, and utilize bioinformatics tools for data visualization and presentation (e.g., R, Python, Jupyter notebooks, matplotlib, ggplot2).
• Solid publication record (peer-reviewed articles, patents, or significant contributions to technical reports) and experience writing technical documentation, white papers, or application notes for scientific products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to experimental design and data interpretation.
• Dynamic interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and respectful approach to teamwork.
• Comfortable and effective working in a fast-paced, R&D and customer-facing environment, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with specific NGS applications such as RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, metagenomics, single-cell sequencing, or targeted sequencing. 
• Direct experience with automation platforms for high-throughput library preparation.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements or quality control standards in a diagnostic or clinical genomics setting. 
• Prior experience in a customer-facing scientific support or applications role.

About Twist Bioscience

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as “writing” DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon-based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.