Senior Director, Technical Operations & Automation

Company Overview 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. Job Description Ansa is seeking a deeply capable, visionary leader to partner with the COO in scaling our manufacturing organization and technical capabilities. This is a critical role for a company moving from early commercial traction into industrial-scale operations. This leader will be responsible for the architecture and execution of a world-class lab automation ecosystem, process engineering, bridging the gap between R&D and high-volume manufacturing. The ideal candidate combines strong scientific and engineering depth with operational rigor, capable of leading a multidisciplinary team. The role spans sustaining manufacturing operations support, process scale-up, automation, QA/QC partnership, transfer of processes from R&D into manufacturing, and capacity expansion planning, including future facility build-out. This is an on-site leadership role based in Emeryville, CA. Candidates must be in the Bay Area or willing to relocate. If you are energized by delighting customers and are stoked to help us ship DNA to world- changing biotech companies and research labs, then we want to hear from you! Key Responsibilities Process Scale-Up & Industrialization:  Develop strategies to scale sensitive biological reactions into robust industrial processes.  Establish a disciplined framework for tech transfer from R&D into Manufacturing, ensuring processes are controlled, documented, and scalable.  Drive initiatives to maximize first pass yields, reduce COGS through automation and improve cycle time. Automation & Lab Ecosystem Architecture:  Architect and execute a multi-year automation strategy for custom enzymatic gene synthesis, prioritizing modularity and extreme scalability.  Drive the Automation Index - increasing the percentage of hands-free synthesis workflows while achieving industry-leading first-pass yields.  Partner with Software teams to ensure seamless data flow between LIMS, scheduling software, and automated hardware. Operational Excellence & Monitoring:  Partner with Software teams to implement real-time Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor process performance and robotic precision.  Define and track critical KPIs: throughput capacity, cycle time, right-first-time yield, labor productivity, and synthesis cost. Quality, Compliance & Infrastructure:  Partner with Quality leadership to build robust systems with “Quality in mind” (ISO 9001/13485 readiness) including deviation management, CAPA support, and change control.  Partner closely with the COO on future facility build-outs, including equipment strategy, space planning, and infrastructure requirements to meet global demand. Cross-Functional Leadership:  Serve as a key cross-functional partner to R&D, Product Management, Commercial teams, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality.  Help translate company strategy into a manufacturing roadmap that supports growth. Working Conditions & Physical Demands:  This position operates in both a professional office environment and a biotechnology laboratory/manufacturing environment.  Must be able to tolerate lab environments, wear standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and occasionally lift or move equipment up to 25 pounds.  Standard regional travel may be required for facility build-outs or vendor site visits. Qualifications  Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field. (Equivalent deep industry experience with a BS/MS will be fully considered).  Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in biotech technical operations or manufacturing, with a proven track record of 5+ years leading automation-centric organizations or teams.  Technical Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of liquid handling programming, custom hardware integration, and scaling complex biochemical reactions.  Scaling Success: Proven track record of moving processes from R&D into reliable, high- volume commercial production.  Systems Thinking: Ability to visualize the entire synthesis lifecycle, from digital sequence to purified DNA product.  Leadership: Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across functions (R&D, Commercial, Finance) and inspire teams to solve "impossible" engineering challenges.  Domain Knowledge: Experience in nucleic acid synthesis, synthetic biology, or genomics tools is strongly preferred. What We Offer  Competitive base salary and equity options.  Generous benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.  Ongoing professional development, mentorship, and training opportunities.  A collaborative, innovative, and psychologically safe work environment.  The opportunity to be part of a company at the forefront of synthetic biology and innovation. California Pay Transparency Disclosure  San Francisco Bay Area Base Salary Range: $220,000 – $250,000. Note: This range represents the expected base salary for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as specific skills, relevant experience, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an equity package and our full benefits portfolio. Equal Opportunity & Diversity Commitment 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.