Intern, Enzyme Engineering

**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 South San Francisco. **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. **Internship in Enzyme Engineering** DNA Script is looking for an **Intern in Enzyme Engineering** to strengthen the development of its proprietary enzymes for the Enzymatic DNA and RNA Synthesis technology. You will join an international team of engineers and researchers with diverse backgrounds. Your mission will be to participate in the screening and selection of improved enzyme variants. Working together with an Enzyme Engineering PhD you will be involved in the various stages of directed enzyme evolution: mutant library design using various inputs (3D-structure, protein sequence database, computational modeling), mutant production, purification and screening using various activity assays and other techniques. You will be working with a liquid handling screening robot, develop new enzymatic activity assays, analyze screening results using Next Generation Sequencing and other analytical methods. You will be preparing written reports and participating in weekly meetings to discuss results. We're looking for a highly motivated, well-organized team-player to join the team. **Main Responsibilities** - Express polymerase enzyme in _E.coli_ in shake flasks and 96well plates - Purify polymerase enzyme using chromatography methods - Characterize polymerase purity, stability and activity using various high-throughput assays - Design new mutant library using 3D-structures, protein sequence databases and computational modeling - Conduct experiments with a high level of care to ensure precise and accurate data - Analyze DNA/RNA synthesis data using Next Generation Sequencing and other methods - Keep good record of data using excel and doc files - Help managing lab equipment and consumables **Qualifications and Education Requirements** - Essential_ - Master student in Chemistry, Biology or related field - Familiarity with protein handling and purification - Familiarity with protein assays (activity, stability, ligand binding) - Strong record keeping skills - Strong interpersonal skills - Strong willingness to work in the lab - Good command of the English language - Desirable_ - Strong analytical skills - Experience with liquid handling robots - Experience with high-throughput assays **Contact