Scientist - Tech Transfer
Scientist - Tech Transfer ( Onsite in Wilsonville, OR)
Job Description
We are seeking a Scientist to join our Tech Transfer team, focused on advancing and scaling synthetic biology workflows across DNA-based and mammalian cell culture systems. This role sits at the interface of R&D and production, where you will drive the successful transfer of new products and processes into high-throughput manufacturing environments.
You will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting workflows spanning molecular biology and mammalian cell culture systems, ensuring processes are robust, scalable, and production-ready. This includes hands-on experimental work, cross-functional collaboration, and enabling operational teams through training, technical guidance, and documentation.
This is a highly collaborative role partnering with teams across operations, automation engineering, and bioinformatics to translate innovation into reliable production processes. A key component of this work will be designing processes with automation in mind, enabling deployment across a diverse suite of liquid handling platforms to support scalable and standardized manufacturing.
We are looking for someone who combines strong experimental rigor with practical problem-solving, and who is equally comfortable working at the bench and thinking strategically about process improvement. Experience across both DNA technologies (e.g., NGS, cloning) and mammalian cell culture/protein expression systems is highly valued.
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment where you can directly impact how products are built and delivered at scale, this role offers broad exposure to cutting-edge synthetic biology platforms and technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments to develop, optimize, and scale production workflows for synthetic biology products, including DNA and mammalian cell-based protein expression systems
- Drive process improvements by analyzing complex datasets and translating findings into actionable changes across workflows
- Lead technical transfer of new products and processes into production, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and scalability
- Author and maintain technical documentation, including SOPs, validation protocols, and training materials to support manufacturing teams
- Act as a technical subject matter expert, representing R&D/PD in cross-functional meetings and contributing to project strategy and decision-making
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, automation, and bioinformatics teams to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions
- Apply scientific literature and domain expertise to inform experimental design, process development, and strategic direction
- Maintain clear and accurate documentation of experimental work and results using electronic lab notebooks
- Mentor and train team members and operators on newly developed processes and workflows
Qualifications And Required Skills
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field; or Master’s with 2–5+ years of industry experience; or Bachelor’s with 5+ years of relevant experience
- Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA purification, PCR/qPCR, and molecular cloning
- Hands-on experience developing and optimizing mammalian cell culture systems for protein expression (e.g., HEK, CHO)
- Experience designing expression constructs and optimizing systems for yield, solubility, and activity across host platforms
- Proven ability to develop and optimize upstream and downstream workflows, including transfection and protein purification strategies
- Demonstrated experience in experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and method development in complex biological systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to translate experimental outcomes into scalable process improvements
- Solid scientific judgment and ability to independently drive technical decisions
Preferred Skills
- Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, library preparation, and/or data analysis
- Familiarity with high-throughput workflows and laboratory automation systems (e.g., liquid handlers)
- Programming or data analysis experience (e.g., Python, SQL, JSON) for handling large datasets
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, with experience working across multidisciplinary teams
- Experience mentoring, training, or onboarding team members
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Self-motivated with a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with scientific advancements
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 serve 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.
The base cash compensation for this Oregon-based role is below. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location and may vary from the amount listed above. Compensation may be different in other locations.