Research Associate - Sequencing

Welcome to the Post Pollution Future with LanzaTech
About us: LanzaTech was founded on the belief that we have enough carbon above ground to make everything we need. Through our biorecycling technology, we transform carbon into sustainable raw materials, replacing the need for virgin fossil carbon in consumer goods and transport fuels. We are building the circular carbon economy.
Our impact: To date, we have abated over 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide (the equivalent amount of CO2 needed to charge 30,346,895,586 smartphones) across four commercial plants, and will soon have the capacity to abate 500,000 tons annually with our additional future plants.
With dozens more projects in the pipeline, we are helping global companies like Zara, H&M Move, Coty, and On use recycled carbon to make sustainable consumer products from carbon that would otherwise be emitted from heavy industries such as steel making.
Our team:

• We’re a diverse, woman-led company, with over 400 team members and counting
• We’re distributed around the globe—from Chicago and Europe to India, China, & New Zealand

Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2023, our team is taking on climate change one ton of carbon at a time.
We are a woman-led company on a mission to recycle the world’s carbon supply, and we want you to join us!
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Key Responsibilities

• Routinely execute established next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocols to perform DNA/RNA extraction, NGS library preparation, loading and operation of DNA sequencers, and processing and analysis of sequencing data
• Perform routine operation of liquid handler protocols for sample preparation; execute high-throughput experimentation
• Contribute toward process improvements and the implementation of next-generation technologies to enhance strain engineering efficiency
• Write and revise SOPs as needed
• Perform QC assay for biocatalyst manufacturing and Certificate of Conformance (COC) documentation
• Maintain reagent and consumable inventory, sequencing instruments, and general laboratory upkeep
• Maintain records and QC data in LIMS system as required
• Participate in group and project meetings or lab activities as required

Position Requirements

• M.Sc. or B.Sc. (or equivalent) in Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 1-2 years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques including PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid isolation and quantitation
• Excellent attention to detail, meticulous record-keeping, and ability to complete tasks with a high degree of accuracy
• Highly self-motivated and independent, with strong organizational and time management skills to consistently ensure accurate and timely delivery of NGS data to customers each week
• Strong desire to work with robotic platforms and a demonstrated aptitude for high-throughput experimentation, specifically using 384-well plate formats
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, word processing, data collaboration tools, and presentation applications, with familiarity in statistics and data analysis tools.
• Team player with strong interpersonal communication skills
• Awareness of safety issues in the work environment

Preferred Knowledge/Skills

• Experience with high-throughput automation and using Hamilton and Echo liquid handlers (or similar technology)
• Experience with at least one sequencing platform (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, or Oxford Nanopore) and sequence analysis tools (Geneious software)
• Experience with Ampure XP magnetic bead purification or similar
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Excel Power Query; experience in scripting and working with large datasets
• Ability to conduct research independently and manage multiple tasks in parallel

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing in the lab
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times
• On-site at Skokie office/lab

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Learn more about us by visiting www.lanzatech.com/news/ and take a look at some recent coverage:

• Selected by the US Department of Energy to receive a $200 million investment
• Featured on abc7 Chicago News with Mark Rivera
• TIME100’s Most Influential Companies
• Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies
• Forbes: Synthetic biology gets the Gucci treatment

Find us on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter & Instagram
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee and may be revised at any time by the Company.
This position is open to candidates authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer. LanzaTech is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
 
We are not able to support work visa sponsorship with this role and preference will be given to local candidates.