Director, Applications - Paris, France - DNA Script

Description

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 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 South San Francisco.

Job Description

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 dynamic company and to have a large impact on developing a technology that will have far-reaching impacts across biological sciences.

The Role

Reporting to the VP of Product Management, the Director, Applications is responsible for leading a team of field applications scientists supporting customers' effective use of the Syntax instrument, and a small Paris-based applications team supporting customers in their downstream workflows and Product Marketing in generating content such as application notes, research papers, posters and other collateral to support market development.

The ideal candidate will have a deep scientific background in life science or biotech/biopharma R&D, and preferably have gene assembly and/or protein engineering expertise. They will bring a broad and deep understanding of nucleic acid synthesis, and a passion for working with customers, and internally, to push the frontiers of scientific research. They will also have previous field applications experience and be excellent communicators of scientific information to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead two scientific applications teams:
  • a field based team, supporting customers in their use of EDS technology on the Syntax instrument, and
  • an internal team, using Syntax-synthesized DNA in downstream applications such as gene assembly, RNA synthesis, protein engineering and genomics.
• Lead, develop and train the Applications teams to provide excellent customer service and conduct great science, to grow DNA Script's positioning as a customer-oriented scientific thought leader.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, academic collaborators and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
• Build and manage the annual budget for the Applications teams.
• Manage and prioritize Applications resources based on input from customers and from colleagues in Sales, Product Management and Product Marketing.
• Develop, maintain and manage a ~2 year roadmap for applications development, in areas such as gene assembly, protein engineering etc., to support business strategy.
• Continuously improve instrument and EDS workflow performance, both in the field and internal to DNA Script, by collating customer and FAS feedback and sharing it effectively with stakeholders.
• Maintain a calendar of collateral generation events and milestones to ensure a steady stream of application-related materials to support the Sales and Marketing teams, including application notes, posters, webinars, conference presentations etc.
• Work closely with colleagues in Product Marketing, Research, Product Development and IP to stay aware of industry developments, opportunities and threats.

Requirements

• A higher degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• 8+ years' experience in lab-based roles in life science or biotechnology companies, with a track record of strong customer-facing interaction.
• 5+ years' experience of leading scientific teams in lab-based or field applications environments.
• Demonstrated team management and skills and leadership ability.
• Excellent influencing and relationship management abilities and a core focus on improving customer satisfaction & engagement through the application of great science.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and planning skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• High proficiency in scientific writing and presentation, and in using graphical and other software to effectively and attractively communicate scientific information to a broad range of audiences from expert to non-scientific.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and adaptive environment.
• Job location: Paris, France; on site.
• Travel: Approx. 25% to global customers and to SF Bay Area site.