Unlocking the utility of genomics for the world

Scientist, Genomics Assay Development

Location
Cambridge, MA
Job Type
Full-time
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Udayan Umapathi
Udayan Umapathi
Founder

About the role

Volta Labs is looking for a scientist who enjoys solving problems creatively in genomics and synthetic biology application development.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Volta Labs, Inc. (https://www.voltalabs.com/) is an MIT spin-off that has unlocked powerful new capabilities with our proprietary fluidic technology. Working at the intersection of engineering and biology, we are developing the future of automation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in life sciences. We are at an exciting inflection point as we emerge out of stealth mode and scale up. Alongside our collaborators, we have demonstrated powerful and unique competencies that are now being developed into robust products for the decentralization of Next Generation Sequencing. This beachhead application is on the bleeding edge of innovation and adoption, and we intend to shape the future with our paradigm shifting platform. 

Working at Volta Labs means having big ambitions for solving the world’s most challenging problems. We take pride in having a wealth of internal knowledge and experiences across all aspects of technology, and we hope that you can add fresh perspectives to that! We strive to build a community of collaborative, disruptive, and respectful team members who feel empowered to be themselves every day.

Job Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, optimize genomic assays for implementation on Volta's proprietary digital fluidic platform.
  • Lead the development and optimization of assays such as library preparation Illumina, ONT and PacBio Sequencing.
  • Contribute to the management of projects through feasibility, development, and validation.
  • Act as the subject matter expert and continuously drive product development through internal and external collaborations.

Your Qualifications

  • PhD or MSc in cellular and/or molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or a related discipline.
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in an assay development environment
  • Hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing, e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore or PacBio platforms with various sample types, including purified DNA, microbial, fresh and FFPE tissue material, blood, etc.
  • If your work is not in NGS but in a related peripheral field please apply. Examples include synthetic biology, cell and gene therapy, protein sequencing or general experience in biochemistry optimization. Deep expertise in at least one domain is required.
  • Experience with new instrument and platform development.
  • Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced team environment with rapidly changing priorities: pro-active team player who thinks ahead, plans, and suggests solutions.
  • You are a continuous learner who embraces a growth mindset.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to synthesize technical information and present it to specialists and non-specialists.

Nice to Have

  • Experience translating manual workflows into automated methods on microfluidics or other droplet based technologies.
  • You have a successful track record working with cross-functional development teams.
  • Familiarity with laboratory automation system and enthusiasm for working on evolving prototypes.

Volta Labs offers both competitive cash and equity compensation, as well as health, dental, and vision coverage, and unlimited paid time off. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, and actively seek out and value diverse perspectives. Women, people of color, people who are differently abled, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply. Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself contributing, please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of bio-automation!

Why you should join Volta Labs, Inc.

Volta Labs is a group of antidisciplinary scientists and builders working at the intersection of engineering and biology. We are building a sequencing technology agnostic platform that spans from the raw biological sample to sequenceable molecules. We are doing this by reinventing the full stack — hardware, software, chemistry, and biology — to create simple, flexible, and powerful solutions for sample preparation and beyond.

Volta Labs, Inc.
Founded:2018
Team Size:22
Location:Cambridge, MA
Founders
Udayan Umapathi
Udayan Umapathi
Founder