About Instance:

Instance is on a mission to unlock the potential of Generative AI for protein design by starting with drastically lower cost, AI-powered DNA synthesis. We’re a small, curious team with a bold vision.

Role Overview:

We’re looking for an experienced process engineer to build and optimize our proprietary gene synthesis method. You’ll play a key role in developing our next-generation DNA synthesis to support a wide variety of industries on the way to enabling truly generative protein design. This role combines deep technical expertise and a collaborative spirit to support our efforts towards efficient, scalable, and robust DNA synthesis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support our molecular biology and chemistry initiatives, translate learnings to the production line, and extrapolate to identify additional areas for improvement.

• Identify and execute on new product features for scalable manufacturing. Apply expertise in process development, enzymatic synthesis, optimization, microbiology, supplier relations, and next generation sequencing to set process specs, scale manufacturing, and reduce cost.

• Lead initiatives to develop infrastructure that supports the entire process, from order in-take to reagent lot tracking. Examples may include documentation authoring and lab automation sourcing/qualification.

• Develop reagent control processes for continuous improvement of production manufacturing, including optimizing reagent formulations. Identify critical reagent attributes and build QC methods for both internal and externally sourced reagents.

• Collaborate with AI/ML teams, software engineers, and automation specialists to continuously improve the process by incorporation new features into the DNA synthesis pipeline.

• Perform technical diligence for external partners to scale reagent supply chain.

• Act as a key scientific representative with external reagent vendors and partners overseeing external progress milestones and technology transfer.

• Offer expert guidance on all technical aspects of DNA synthesis, ensuring the implementation of best practices and operational excellence in manufacturing.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years in the biotechnology or manufacturing industry, with significant experience in molecular biology and chemistry process development.

• Experience developing manufacturing and QC methods, then deploying them to production in an automated setting.

• Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, fast-paced environment where innovation and adaptability are key. Enjoys the challenge of working on a team with evolving roles/boundaries.

• Deep understanding of molecular biology, enzymatic, and chemical synthesis techniques, with experience in optimizing DNA synthesis processes and implementing novel methodologies.