Production Manager (Primary Assembly) - 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 Production Manager to champion the success and efficiency of our Primary Assembly processes. In this role, you will lead the existing assembly process and work towards scaling it up in the future with new technology currently in development. The Primary objectives for this position include managing and executing manufacturing batches, overseeing personnel, and conducting synthesis forecasting. You will facilitate cross-communication within the manufacturing team to predict readiness for downstream use while providing inspirational leadership to our production associates. Additionally, you will collaborate cross-functionally to introduce innovations that enhance product's robustness and scalability to meet increasing demand. 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 Primary Assembly Process: Provide technical expertise and support to the existing assembly process, ensuring its smooth operation. Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance its robustness and reliability.
- Timely Manufacturing: Manage and execute batch and personnel schedules to ensure the timely manufacturing of the gene synthesis process. Participate in the day-to-day hands on work.Coordinate with relevant teams to optimize efficiency and meet production targets. Assist in downstream hand off for product readiness.
- Forecasting and KPIs: Assist in forecasting production needs and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to production volume, quality, and efficiency. Analyze data and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Product Development and Continuous Improvements (PDI) and Research and Development (RD) teams to drive process improvements. Share insights and contribute to the development of new methods or technologies. Participate in new technology transfer activities to enhance the existing workflows.
- Team Management: 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.
- Automation Support: Partner with the Automation Team to manage our instruments and provide feedback for further enhancements to our processes.
- Troubleshooting and Weekend Support: Provide troubleshooting assistance to address any production issues that may arise. Additionally, offer on-call support over the weekend for escalations to maintain production continuity by resolving urgent matters.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline), 5+ years of industry experience
- 2+ years of experience lead production or manufacturing role in life sciences
- Strong knowledge and working experience in cloning and gene synthesis processes
- Strong knowledge and working experience of different liquid handlers like Bravo, Tecan, Hamilton, Mutliflow etc
- Proven ability to manage production batches and personnel schedules effectively
- Support lab execution on a daily basis
- Experience in forecasting and maintaining KPIs
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Experience with new product implementation, operational scaling, and training operators
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Availability to provide support over the weekend as needed
Prefered Qualifications and Experience:
- Basic bioinformatics and coding experience for data management
- Experience with operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of liquid handling robots, PCR, general molecular biology tools and NGS library prep devices
- Experience in start up environments-ability to anticipate and adapt changes and maintain orders
- Previous experience in managing a team is preferred
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:
