Research Associate (m/f/d)

Ribbon Bio is an emerging leader in synthetic biology, developing innovative and performant methods to generate long, complex DNA molecules that have application in understanding and treating disease. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, Ribbon specializes in error-proof, cost-effective DNA synthesis up to 20kb in length, enabling a new generation of biopharmaceutical processes and synthetic biology products.

We are seeking for a talented  Research Associate in the Advanced R&D team who will play an important role in advancing Ribbon’s DNA synthesis capabilities through the development, optimization, and implementation of biochemical tools and methods. This position requires a detail-oriented individual to design and execute experiments focused on DNA assembly, purification and analytics, DNA amplification, cloning, and mutagenesis, while leveraging state-of-the-art lab automation and analytical techniques. Collaborating closely with Automation, Data Science, and Synthesis Operations teams, you will refine workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges, and translate biochemical requirements into scalable automated processes.

• Plan and perform experiments, under the direction of group leaders, that advance the biochemical methods used in the assembly and purification of synthetic DNA molecules. Experiments involve methods of DNA assembly, DNA purification, PCR amplification, DNA quantification, electrophoresis (capillary, agarose, polyacrylamide), cloning, and mutagenesis.
• Plan and perform experiments to improve the accuracy and yield of DNA assembly using state-of-the art lab automation equipment to develop and improve processes for implementation into routine DNA synthesis workflows.
• Plan and perform experiments that advance the development of improved enzymes and proteins, including the characterization and qualification of protein and enzyme function and performance with a focus on DNA modifying enzymes.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to biochemical methods, identify root causes of problems, and implement effective solutions.
• Perform experiments directed toward the verification and validation of new biochemical methods and protocols.
• Collaborate with Automation, Data Science, and Synthesis Operations teams to understand automation and data tracking constraints and requirements and convey biochemistry requirements to these teams to facilitate automation of biochemical methods.
• Draft documentation, as directed, to bring to standard practice biochemical methods and material qualification procedures supporting Ribbon’s DNA assembly processes.
• Develop, conduct/supervise instrument maintenance and calibration, following approved procedures.
• Thoroughly document results, data, procedures, and conclusions in Ribbon’s Electronic Lab Notebook and in dedicated reports.
• Generate analyses of data according to established guidelines.
• Generate and contribute to detailed working instructions and protocols according to established guidelines.
• Assist and contribute to Synthesis Operations as needed to meet production targets using the Infinisynth® platform.
• Participate in training and technology transfer activities, as directed.
• Conduct equipment/instrument cleaning, maintenance, and calibration, following approved procedures.
• Perform Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation and set up sequencing experiments. This includes sample preparation, DNA extraction, purification, library construction, and quality control.
• Additionally, evaluation of data and preliminary analysis to interpret sequencing results, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the output.
• Monitor stock levels and order consumables, reagents, materials used to execute experiments and maintain / clean laboratory equipment.
• Dispose of laboratory waste and record incidents according to approved Safety Procedures; troubleshoot and identify opportunities to improve safety.

• Master’s degree in relevant field (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, etc.). Ideally with industry experience in relevant field.
• Molecular Biology techniques with a focus on Biochemistry, DNA assembly, and nucleic acid analytics.
• Experience with NGS platforms, including basic data analyses, especially with long read sequencing technology, is a plus.

• Full health and social benefits according to Austrian law.
• Opportunity to crucially contribute to the translation of Ribbon’s product towards market entry and operational scale-up within a young, agile, and motivated team.
• International environment (our current team is of more than 25 nationalities).
• Support for professional development training and English (or German) lessons.
• Relocation support if necessary.
• Ticket for public transport (yearly ticket “Wiener Linien”).
• The opportunity to grow with the company and to live in the city of Vienna, which is repeatedly ranked as the city with the highest quality of life in the world.
• Coffee, tea, and snacks in the office.
• Onsite yoga classes.

By Austrian law we are obliged to specify the salary level by a collective agreement, which is EUR 40600 to EUR 44100 gross per year. Salary can be adjusted according to your experience and qualifications.

Job type: Full time (40 h per week).

Location: Vienna, Headquarters Ribbon Bio.

Availability: We expect to fill the position as soon as possible.

Sounds like a good fit? Just drop us a quick cover letter about why you’re interested along with your CV (all in English). We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so feel free to reach out anytime until the position is filled.

Please note that if you are selected to proceed in the hiring process, you will be contacted by us within two weeks from the date of the submission of the application.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. While focusing on the right set and mix of experience and skills, we value diversity and are highly committed to set up working environment with mutual respect to everyone regardless their race, nationality, religion, gender, age or other characteristics protected by applicable regulations and laws. To keep the gender balance in the company we highly encourage women to apply.

Ribbon Biolabs takes data protection seriously. Unless you express otherwise, by submitting your CV you authorize Ribbon Biolabs to store your personal data in its database for the purpose of the recruiting process or/and possible future job vacancies. If you want your data to be deleted from our database, you simply need to inform our hiring manager. Ribbon Biolabs will not share your personal data with any other party without your consent. In compliance with GDPR regulations, your data will be removed from our database within 6 months of your application date if you are not hired.