Research Associate, Molecular Biology

Our mission at Ansa Biotechnologies is to revolutionize the way we make DNA. Compared to reading or editing life’s code, writing new code from scratch has remained one of the field’s most elusive challenges. At Ansa, we are putting nature to work, creating novel enzymatic solutions that will redefine how we build DNA. We believe that the biggest challenges our world faces will be solved using biotechnology and that DNA synthesis is the fuel for that transformation. Our enzyme-based approach (published in Nature Biotechnology) promises to dramatically accelerate innovation in biological research and biotechnology, including therapeutics, diagnostics, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology. We look forward to our DNA products making an impact. Job Summary Ansa is seeking a Research Associate to join our R&D team and support both early-stage product development and process development. You will work at the bench executing experiments alongside our scientists, troubleshooting molecular biology workflows, and help bring ideas into robust, scalable processes. This is a hands-on role where priorities can shift quickly. You’ll need to be ready to roll up your sleeves and execute rapidly on high-priority items. The role also comes with the ability to grow, develop methods that don’t exist yet, and learn lots from our scientists which have diverse technical backgrounds. What You’ll Do • Execute and analyze molecular biology experiments, working closely with scientists to support new product development and process optimization • Perform DNA cloning and manipulation (PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, rolling-circle amplification, assembly, transformation, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification and quantification) • Conduct protein expression, purification, and characterization (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, activity assays) • Develop and optimize protocols for enzymatic DNA synthesis workflows • Maintain thorough, well-organized lab notebooks and experimental documentation • Analyze data rigorously and present findings to the team • Work hands-on alongside scientists and engineers, adapting quickly to changing priorities to advance projects from concept through implementation What We’re Looking For Required: • BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field • 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry) • Strong foundational skills in DNA cloning, manipulation, and analysis • Experience with protein purification and characterization techniques • Meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation • A proactive, can-do attitude. You’re ready to jump in and execute wherever the work takes you, adapting quickly as priorities shift • Ability to learn new techniques and concepts quickly Preferred: • Experience in a fast-paced startup or early-stage R&D environment • Familiarity with process development, method optimization, or scale-up • Exposure to enzymatic assays, enzyme engineering, or nucleic acid biochemistry • Comfort working with ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-moving R&D environment • Experience with data analysis tools (Python, R, or similar) is a plus What We Offer You’ll work on technology that is fundamentally changing how DNA is made — enabling applications in gene therapy, synthetic biology, and beyond that weren’t previously possible. This is an opportunity to have outsized impact at a well-funded, growing company with a collaborative team and hard technical problems worth solving. • Competitive salary and equity. • Generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision. • Ongoing professional development and training opportunities. • A collaborative and innovative work environment. • The opportunity to be part of a company at the forefront of synthetic biology and innovation. San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range $88,200 - $96,600 Ansa Biotechnologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. At Ansa, we are building a high-performing team focused on changing how scientists access DNA. We look for people who are curious, rigorous, accountable, and excited to work on hard problems. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and the needs of the business.