Production Manager, Oligosynth - Elegen
San Carlos, CA
About the Job
Elegen is blazing a path towards a biology-based economy with a highly innovative approach to DNA synthesis that delivers an industry leading length of 7kb in 7 business days with a 99.999% per base accuracy. Our multidisciplinary team of best-in-class biologists, chemists, hardware, and software engineers apply cutting-edge technologies and methods to solve critical bottlenecks in synthetic biology workflows to help our customers in pharma, biotech, agbio, and biomanufacturing streamline their work and realize the full potential of programmable biology.
We are seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Manager to champion the success and efficiency of our oligo synthesizing processes. Your role will encompass supporting new technology transfer from R&D to production for oligo synthesis, adeptly managing manufacturing batches, personnel, and shipping schedules, fostering collaboration with cross-functional teams, and providing inspirational leadership to our production associates. Your contributions will significantly enhance the overall productivity and resilience of our production operations.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated team leader looking to join a uniquely innovative, rapidly moving, high impact start-up. In addition to taking on the challenges of managing our production team, you will help us establish a strong culture of mutual respect, integrity, and collaboration while working alongside some of Silicon Valley's best scientists and engineers, and professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and Manage production operations of Oligo Synthesis: In partnership with the R&D team, implement new processes in production, set throughput, cost, and quality goals for production operations and streamline and optimize production processes.
- Timely Manufacturing of Oligo: Manage and execute batches in the lab to ensure the timely manufacturing of oligo. Coordinate with relevant teams to optimize efficiency and meet production targets. Manage day to day scheduling for technicians through the shifts. Assist in scheduling shipping and customer manifest generation.
- Quality Control Inspection: Perform the QC of incoming raw material and ensure they meet specification before being released for production use, conduct QC of molecular kits, interpret and respond to validation data, and ensure that production outputs meet all specifications for high-quality reagents.
- Data Analysis: Perform preliminary analysis of the production data and build dashboards and KPIs. Keep a detailed laboratory notebook for batch records.
- Process Improvements: Collaborate closely with the Process Development (PD) and Research and Development (RD) teams to drive process improvements.
- Software Development: Build a LIMS for daily production execution and enhance features over time to meet production needs, while actively participating in end-user validation for software support.
- Team Management: Hire and manage a small team of production associates, providing guidance, training, and support as needed. Ensure effective communication, teamwork, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Troubleshooting and Weekend Support: Provide troubleshooting assistance to address any production issues that may arise. Additionally, offer support over the weekend to maintain production continuity and resolve any urgent matters.
Essential Candidate Profile:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline)
- 3+ years of experience as production/manufacturing lead in oligo synthesis within life sciences
- Strong knowledge and working experience with HMI (Interface on equipment for control, alarms) and GUI (Interface on a computer screen)
- Experience with lab automation, liquid handling robots, oligo synthesizer and performing instruments maintenance including Preventative Maintenance (PM), part replacement and coordinating for instrument calibration
- Experience with new product implementation, operational scaling and training operators
- Experience working with hazardous substances and PPE
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Data tracking and managing via LIMS, Excel and google sheet
Preferred Candidate Qualifications:
- Proven ability to manage production batches and personnel schedules effectively
- Experience in managing reagent and bead preparation, as well as bead loading into the microfluidic chip
- Ability to lift and move objects of 50lbs
- Support lab execution preliminary
- Experience in data analysis, reporting and presentation
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Previous experience in managing a team
- Availability to provide support over the weekend
Salary and Benefits:
The annual base salary compensation for this role, if based in California is: $120,000 - $145,000. Compensation may be different in other locations. Final compensation also includes bonus, equity and benefits. Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location.
✓ Healthcare ✓ Dental ✓ Vision ✓ Learning Allowance
✓ 401K ✓ Flexible PTO ✓ Short Term Disability ✓ Fitness Allowance
About The Company:
Founded and led by Dr. Matthew Hill and located in San Carlos, CA, Elegen is well-capitalized by top life science investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and KdT. The company is advised and staffed by leading biotechnology scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Marc Unger, inventor of the Nanoflex™ valve, and former CSO of Fluidigm. Dr. Hill has a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of advancing innovative technologies from invention to commercial success. Over eight years in his previous role as VP of R&D at a leading molecular diagnostics company, he co-invented and launched five precision molecular diagnostic products, including a best-in-class noninvasive prenatal test used by millions. These products earn more than $350 million per year in revenue and enabled an IPO.
Elegenis an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elegen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law. All applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws:
