At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative RNA-based cloning technologies to transform agriculture and drive scientific discovery.
- Company: Join Terrana Biosciences, a cutting-edge agricultural biotech company focused on sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture with your scientific expertise and creativity.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in relevant fields with significant industry experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 175000 £ per year.
Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We are seeking an innovative and strategic Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies to lead the vision, development, and scaling of cloning and construct generation capabilities across the company. As a scientific leader, you will define and drive cloning strategies that accelerate discovery, platform development, and product advancement. You will serve as the technical authority for molecular cloning technologies, develop novel high-throughput workflows, and identify emerging approaches that strengthen Terrana's RNA technology platform. This role requires a highly creative scientist who thrives at the intersection of technology innovation, scientific leadership, and operational excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and execute the long-term cloning strategy supporting Terrana's research and platform development efforts.
- Own the cloning function and construct generation operations at Terrana, ensuring reliable, scalable, and cost-effective delivery of high-quality constructs supporting company pipeline activities.
- Conceive, develop, and implement novel cloning technologies, workflows, and automation solutions to enable rapid construct generation and testing.
- Drive continuous improvements in construct generation throughput, turnaround time, automation, quality, and unit economics while expanding organizational capacity.
- Lead innovation in high-throughput DNA assembly, plasmid engineering, vector development, and viral engineering technologies.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and establish new capabilities that improve speed, scale, quality, and efficiency.
- Partner closely with Molecular Biology, Delivery, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams to enable key research objectives and accelerate innovation.
- Mentor scientists and contribute to the development of technical talent and scientific culture across the organization.
- Drive external collaborations and represent Terrana's cloning capabilities with scientific partners and collaborators.
- Communicate scientific strategy, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, or a related field.
- Senior Scientist II: Ph.D. and 8-11 years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience with a demonstrated record of scientific leadership and innovation.
- Principal Scientist: Ph.D. and 12+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience with a demonstrated record of scientific leadership and innovation.
- Demonstrated ability to balance scientific leadership with hands-on laboratory execution in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
- Deep expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly technologies, vector engineering, and construct design.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing novel technologies or platform capabilities.
- Experience leading complex, cross-functional scientific initiatives from concept to execution.
- Experience developing, implementing, and scaling high-throughput cloning workflows, laboratory automation solutions, and production operations.
- Strong communication, influence, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated creativity, scientific rigor, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in viral vector biology, host-virus interactions, plant virology, or RNA virus engineering.
- Experience in agricultural biotechnology, plant biology, microbial engineering, or RNA-based technologies.
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling platforms and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
- Working knowledge of sequencing-based construct verification and associated data analysis workflows.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Senior Scientist II/Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies in Cambridge employer: Terrana Biosciences
Terrana Biosciences is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge, MA, where innovation meets sustainability in agricultural biotechnology. Employees benefit from a culture that fosters scientific leadership and creativity, alongside opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and collaboration on cutting-edge RNA-based technologies. With competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare and retirement plans, Terrana is dedicated to empowering its team to tackle global agricultural challenges while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist II/Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Terrana Biosciences. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Terrana Biosciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist II/Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Terrana Biosciences that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Terrana Biosciences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Terrana Biosciences does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terrana Biosciences
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Terrana Biosciences. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Terrana Biosciences's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Terrana Biosciences. This shows your passion for the industry!
