DNA Script

DNA Script is a leading company in manufacturing de novo synthetic nucleic acids using enzymatic DNA synthesis (EDS) technology. The company aims at accelerating innovation in life science and technology through the decentralization of rapid, on demand and high-quality DNA synthesis. DNA Script's approach leverages nature's billions of years of evolution in synthesizing DNA to set a new standard for customizing nucleic acid synthesis thus accelerating discovery in genetics, genomics, and synthetic biology. Discovery disciplines with profound impacts upon humanity such as biopharma, translational genetics and even molecular information storage all start with synthetic DNA. The company has recently initiated the commercialization of its first EDS powered platform, the SYNTAX system.

To date, DNA Script has raised over $315M of financing, with leading investors such as Coatue Management, Fidelity Management and Research, Catalio Capital Management, Casdin Capital, LSP, Bpifrance Large Ventures, Danaher, Illumina Ventures, Agilent, Merck Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Kurma Partners, T Rowe Price, Baillie Gifford and Eurazeo.

DNA Script also partners on technology and product development with leading organizations such as DARPA, IARPA, Moderna Therapeutics, GE Research, Illumina, the Broad Institute, Harvard University, Institut Pasteur and the French Department of Defense.

DNA Script has its research and manufacturing facilities headquartered in Paris, France, and is in the process of expanding its commercial and development teams in Daly City.

Opportunity and Challenges :

We are looking to assemble a team of best-in-class, innovative and passionately eager people. We want to gather their talents and skills to achieve one goal: unlock the power of “DNA-write.” We offer the opportunity of joining a dynamic, international, and highly skilled team in a pioneering startup. Our DNA On Demand platform not only has the potential to change the way the world makes and uses synthetic DNA, but also to accelerate the rate of discovery by delivering upon the promise of same-day results.

This is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and to have a large impact on developing a technology that will have far-reaching impacts across biological sciences.

The Role

DNA Script is looking for a dynamic and talented intern to join the System Integration team, a part of DNA Script’s R&D department in charge of the development of new DNA synthesis process and instrumentation.

The SYNTAX platform is based on liquid handling operations, that can be hindered in many ways : a clog can prevent efficient dispenses or aspirations, cavitation can occur depending on the fluid velocity and properties, hanging drops can form if the liquid motion is not stopped fast enough, etc. Those malfunctions impact the performance of the instrument, and eventually the quality of the synthesized DNA.

The role will be to develop both detection tools and design improvements to prevent abnormal behaviour. The detection could be based on image processing, refractive index measures, ultrasounds, … while the preventive solutions could come from degassers, improved fluidic paths or nozzle shapes…. You will propose design suggestions, test them first on bench then implement them on the instrument to troubleshoot upcoming issues. The final goal is to ensure the company delivers a reliable product.

You will work on a fast-paced, international, and challenging environment, with a direct impact on the company core product.

This Internship is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and to have a great opportunity of participating to the development of a new and revolutionary technology that will have far-reaching impact across biological sciences.

The Mission:

• Master the SYNTAX, our automated synthesis device
• Develop diagnostic tools to detect and quantify misbehaving, especially on the fluidic part of the instrument
• Develop improvements of hardware or protocols to prevent such misfunctionings
• Implement both on the SYNTAX platform
• Occasionally modify the instrument’s source code (C++) to enable flexible testing
• Perform in depth analysis of experimental data, write reports and present results.
• Regular presentation and reporting across all levels of the company
• Actively contribute to critical company milestones, with a willingness to work outside immediate area of expertise when required

Qualification & Experiences

Essential

• Generalist engineering degree
• Basic Coding skills (Python, C++, Linux)
• Knowledge in automation and fluidics
• Interest for the company’s technology and biotech in general
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with researchers, software engineers, hardware engineers.
• Fast-learner, autonomous, and versatile individual
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and systematic troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level in English

Desirable

• Experience with motors, pumps, pipettors or vacuum
• Experience with fluidic systems
• Experience in molecular biology, especially related to nucleic acids
• Advanced coding skills
• Excellent English skills and good French speaking level

Miscellaneous

• Internship located in Kremlin-Bicêtre (Paris area)
• Start date: ASAP
• Contact: hl@dnascript.co