The posting
Azenta Inc.
At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships. All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity
Job Title
Laboratory Technician II, MolBio/ GeneSynthesis
Job Description
Position: Laboratory Technician II, MolBio/Gene Synthesis
Location: Menlo Park, CA Schedule: Tues - Sat 8AM - 4:30PM PST or Sun - Thurs 8AM - 4:30PM PST or Tues - Sat 3:30PM – 12AM PST or Sun – Thurs 3:30PM – 12AM PST Schedule Flexibility: Flexibility of 1–2 hours at the beginning or end of the shift may be required based on business needs. Hourly Rate: $27/hour for first shift
$27 +5% differential for night shift
Contract: 6+ months
INTRO:
At GENEWIZ by Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer-focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.
As a global leader in R&D genomics services, GENEWIZ, leads the way in providing superior data quality with unparalleled technical support to enable researchers around the world to advance their scientific discoveries faster than ever before.
Our customers at top-tier pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions, as well as cutting-edge start-ups, rely on our proprietary technologies for consistent, reliable, high-quality data, even on the most difficult projects. A full-service provider, we provides Sanger DNA sequencing, gene synthesis, molecular biology, high throughput/next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and GLP regulatory services.
How Will You Add Value
The Laboratory Technician II is an intermediate-level member of the MolBio team of the Gene Synthesis department/ Your team is responsible for independently executing molecular biology and manufacturing processes within Azenta’s high-throughput synthetic DNA production platform. The role performs defined production workflows with minimal supervision, operates automated laboratory equipment, maintains accurate batch and LIMS documentation, supports inventory and shipment activities, and contributes to equipment reliability, controlled documentation, training, and process improvement. This position helps deliver high-quality synthetic DNA products safely, accurately, and on schedule.
What You’ll Do
- Independently execute Gene Synthesis production operations according to approved procedures, batch records, and quality requirements in a high-throughput laboratory.
- Master assigned workflow tasks and perform them efficiently and accurately with little to no oversight from managers or shift leads.
- Perform molecular biology workflows such as PCR, nucleic acid purification, gel electrophoresis, cloning, bacterial cell culture, Sanger sequencing setup, and NGS library preparation, as assigned.
- Operate automated laboratory equipment, including liquid handling robots, high-throughput DNA analyzers, thermocyclers, and DNA sequencers.
- Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of production runs, results, and deviations in LIMS, batch records, and other approved systems.
- Draft, review, and edit manufacturing SOPs, work instructions, and production batch records.
- Perform routine and preventive maintenance and minor troubleshooting of production equipment; escalate recurring or complex issues.
- Assist with inventory tracking and production inventory management, and prepare finished product for final shipment.
- Assist in training and mentoring Laboratory Technician I employees according to approved SOPs and training requirements.
- Expand knowledge beyond the assigned portion of the Gene Synthesis workflow to provide flexible operational support.
- Provide ideas and feedback to improve workspace organization, production flow, quality, reliability, and efficiency.
- Monitor waste management activities and communicate required attention or corrective action to management.
- Collaborate effectively with Operations, Quality, R&D, Engineering, and other cross-functional partners.
- Work the assigned day-shift schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or other flexible hours based on business demand.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What You Will Bring
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field required.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related field preferred
- At least 9 months of experience in a GENEWIZ/Azenta laboratory or at least 1 year of relevant experience in a laboratory manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, nucleic acid purification, and Sanger sequencing setup.
- Demonstrated ability to execute defined procedures with minimal supervision while maintaining product quality, reliability, and accurate documentation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, organization, and attention to detail.
Preferred Business Experience (if applicable)
- At least 12 months of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience.
- At least 6 months of experience operating automated liquid handlers or equivalent training with liquid handling robots.
- Experience with gene synthesis, high-throughput laboratories, sequencing groups, genome centers, DNA analyzers, thermocyclers, or DNA sequencers.
- Experience or equivalent training with NGS library preparation, bacterial cell culture using E. coli or yeast, and plasmid cloning.
- Experience in a startup or rapidly changing production environment, with the ability to anticipate and adapt to change while maintaining order.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Frequent micropipette use requiring repetitive hand and wrist motions.
- Moderate physical activity, including standing and walking for considerable periods.
- Occasional lifting of light to moderately heavy objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work in a laboratory environment while following PPE, biosafety, chemical safety, and contamination-control requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality, reliability, and data integrity.
- Knowledge of sterile technique, contamination prevention, and laboratory best practices.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and laboratory database or information management systems.
- Ability to work autonomously and under pressure in a high-throughput manufacturing environment.
- Ability to troubleshoot routine process or equipment issues and communicate deviations clearly.
- Ability to learn and retain new concepts and tasks, take ownership of actions and results, and proactively address gaps or issues.
- Ability to receive feedback constructively and work collaboratively in a team setting.
- Flexibility to support Tuesday-through-Saturday operations and adjusted work hours based on business demand.
EOE M/F/Disabled/VET
If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email at [email protected] for assistance.
Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
United States Base Compensation: $19.00 - $23.50
The posted pay range for this position is an estimate based on current market data and internal pay structure. Final compensation may vary above or below this range depending on factors such as experience, education (including licensure and certifications), qualifications, performance, and geographic location, among other relevant business or organizational needs.
