DNA Lab Technician

The Organization:

Addgene is a thriving non-profit life sciences organization that supports and accelerates important research and discovery for scientists all over the world. Since its founding in 2004, Addgene has grown and innovated in order to assist the research community by archiving and sharing useful research materials and resources (such as plasmid DNA samples, viral vectors, and recombinant antibodies) with scientists worldwide. Broad availability of these unique research materials promotes the advancement of research in a wide variety of disciplines, including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, while increasing collaboration within the scientific community. Learn more here from one of our founders, Melina Fan.

In joining our team as an “Addgenie”, you will work with multidisciplinary internal teams to help fulfill this mission, including scientists, software engineers and product developers, renowned customer support teams, marketing gurus, and business development professionals. Together, Addgenies create and enhance opportunities for research scientists to deposit their materials, find products and resources easily on our website, and receive unparalleled support in receiving and expertly using our materials in their own experiments.

The Role:

A DNA Lab Technician’s responsibilities support both the high yield prep and Next Generation Sequencing pipelines. Under the direction of the Sr. DNA Services Manager, the DNA Lab Technician will ensure the on time delivery of DNA-based samples requested from the DNA Core Team and will be available to support cross team DNA functions as a backup.

To Succeed in this Role, You Will:

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the team
• Execute upstream processing steps necessary for production, QC, and/or order fulfillment of DNA-based product requests. This includes small and large scale DNA prepping, learning QC techniques for DNA quantification and NGS sequencing.
• Conduct quality control of DNA samples including quantifying DNA concentrations and performing restriction digests of low and high throughput DNA isolation samples
• Use Addgene’s computer software to process DNA-based products and inventoried items
• Liaise with Scientific Support and QC teams for customer-related requests
• Assist with process optimization and troubleshooting that may arise in collaboration with manager
• Support lab operations in ensuring all lab consumables and reagents required for essential functions of the position are readily available for timely delivery of results. May include assisting with inventory management, solution preparation, and standard lab tasks.

Skills and Competencies

• BS in Biology/Chemistry or related field with 0-2 years experience, or Associate degree or training certificate in Biology or a related field with 2 years experience 
• Experimental lab experience (can be academic) and experimental design
• Aseptic technique; familiarity with general micro/molecular biology techniques preferred
• Experience with plasmid DNA purification preferred 
• Experience with NGS (eg Illumina or Oxford Nanopore) is a plus
• Effective process management skills
• Self-motivated, organized, able to work independently
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English; strong written and oral communication skills required
• Familiarity with general computer software, including Google Docs and web applications

Life at Addgene:

Addgene prides itself on being a truly special place to work. We are an inclusive and welcoming group of people from many backgrounds and perspectives, and we believe in flexibility and strong work/life balance. Our staff are engaged in multiple professional development opportunities, and give the company their  ideas and feedback regularly. We also never pass up an opportunity to have a little fun, whether it be popping popcorn for our outdoor movie night, dressing up as Schitt’s Creek characters for our Halloween costume contest, or sharing hilarious pictures of our fur babies on our Slack #pets channel. Whether you’re a bookworm, an athlete, or an interior design connoisseur, there’s a place for you to step away from your daily work and connect with your colleagues.

Addgene also provides very competitive benefits and continuously works to maintain an inclusive culture:

• Benefits for Full-Time Employees

Addgene puts its people first. We offer a comprehensive 100% company-paid benefit package that includes health, dental, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, employees are encouraged to participate in an individual 403(b)(7)-retirement account. The cost of public transportation is fully paid by the company. 

Part-Time Employees also enjoy benefits such as Pet Insurance, Onsite yoga classes, and yearly one on ones with a financial professional. Addgenies working 20 or more hours per week in a non-temporary capacity are automatically enrolled at a 3% deferral, and those working 4 or more days per week are eligible for a MBTA/commuter rail pass.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Addgene

Life at Addgene:

Addgene prides itself on being a truly special place to work. We are an inclusive and welcoming group of people from many backgrounds and perspectives, and we believe in flexibility and strong work/life balance. Our staff are engaged in multiple professional development opportunities, and give the company their ideas and feedback regularly. We also never pass up an opportunity to have a little fun, whether it be popping popcorn for our outdoor movie night, dressing up as Schitt’s Creek characters for our Halloween costume contest, or sharing hilarious pictures of our fur babies on our Slack #pets channel. Whether you’re a bookworm, an athlete, or an interior design connoisseur, there’s a place for you to step away from your daily work and connect with your colleagues.

Addgene also provides very competitive benefits and continuously works to maintain an inclusive culture:

• Benefits for Full-Time Employees: Addgene puts its people first. We offer a comprehensive 100% company-paid benefit package that includes health, dental, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, employees are encouraged to participate in an individual 403(b)(7)-retirement account. The cost of public transportation is fully paid by the company.
  • Part-Time Employees also enjoy benefits such as Pet Insurance, Onsite yoga classes, and yearly one on ones with a financial professional. Addgenies working 20 or more hours per week in a non-temporary capacity are automatically enrolled at a 3% deferral, and those working 4 or more days per week are eligible for a MBTA/ commuter rail pass.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Addgene: Addgene is committed to creating and fostering a diverse, supportive, and inclusive working environment. All of our initiatives benefit from the diverse and open worldwide scientific community that we work with, and we believe that the best innovations and discoveries come from diverse teams. Addgene will continue to build these diverse teams, as well as continue to do the hard work of examining how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can be meaningfully woven into our work life, foremost and always to combat bias of all kinds. We are looking forward to continuing to get to know and celebrate a variety of perspectives and backgrounds as we grow our teams; and in doing so, we will bring more scientists together to share their resources in order to change the world.

Addgene is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, active military or veteran status, age, handicap, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or Local law.

Salary : $48,000 - $52,000