Senior Research Associate, Tech Transfer (Molecular Biology)

Location: Onsite in Wilsonville, Oregon, USA; the listing also references Portland, Oregon.

Company

hirify.global develops a silicon-based DNA synthesis platform for writing DNA for applications in healthcare, agriculture, industrial chemicals, and data storage.

What you will do

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments and manual production workflows involving DNA and protein processes.
• Build, vet, and optimize new processes with R&D scientists, operations, automation engineers, operators, and LIMS developers before manufacturing launch.
• Identify process gaps, bottlenecks, quality risks, and inconsistent steps before they affect production or customer orders.
• Operate automated and manual laboratory equipment, support early-access production while automation is developed, and help transition workflows into manufacturing.
• Test and validate LIMS platforms, analyze and summarize data, and communicate findings across cross-functional teams.
• Prepare work instructions and training materials, mentor laboratory staff, and maintain audit-ready experimental and production records.

Requirements

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field with at least 4 years of relevant industry or research experience, or an M.S. in a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, DNA or protein purification, DNA quantification, PCR, enzymatic and/or cell-based assays, including antibody characterization assays.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound scientific judgment with minimal day-to-day direction, and escalate work outside established protocols.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with R&D, operations, automation engineers, LIMS developers, and R&D scientists to build and vet new processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present data clearly across teams.
• Ability to prepare SOPs, data summaries, technical documents, and technical or analytical reports.
• Comfort working in a LEAN manufacturing or controlled laboratory environment, including manual processing ahead of automation.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to identify issues before they escalate.
• Experience mentoring or training laboratory staff.

Nice to have

• Experience with laboratory automation.
• Experience with SQL and/or JSON.
• Experience using LIMS systems.
• Experience working with antibodies.
• Experience supporting new product or process launches, including early-access or limited-release programs.
• Familiarity with manufacturing laboratory environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Onsite laboratory work supporting the transition of R&D processes into manufacturing.
• Cross-functional collaboration across research, operations, automation, and laboratory information systems.
• Equal employment opportunity for employees and applicants as required by applicable law.