Research Translation Engineer - Biotechnology

Position Summary

Major Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical support for drug discovery, vaccine development and gene editing research translation projects.
• Design and optimize cell-based assays, optimize genomic library preparation, and validate experimental protocols for translation into commercial or clinical applications.
• Convert research concepts into Target Product Profiles / Intended Use statements, user needs, and product requirements.
• Run TRL assessments, gap analyses, and maturation roadmaps for biotech/genomics platforms.
• Manage vendor engagements (CROs, sequencing providers): SOWs, timelines, QC and acceptance criteria.
• Establish project governance: milestones, risk register, reporting cadence, and stakeholder alignment.
• Collect and document feedback and identify necessary metrics to measure and optimize various product parameters against functional requirements
• Contribute to project planning, cost estimation, and technical feasibility studies; track milestones and communicate progress to project leads and stakeholders.
• Participate in project reviews, risk assessment and management
• **Personal Requirements**

Competencies

• Experience translating biology into screening cascades for preclinical discovery.
• Deep understanding of cell biology techniques, biological assay development, and modern genomics workflows.
• Understanding of microbial or plant biotechnology workflows (strain engineering, functional genomics, CRISPR plant editing, crop improvement, plant assays, or transformation strategies).
• Knowledge of vaccine development, diagnostic assay design and multi-omics analysis.
• Knowledge of the research and development value chain, including technology readiness assessment.
• Knowledge of intellectual property implications for scientific research projects.
• Strategic planning, organization, time management, analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and implement changes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze workflows in order to streamline and improve business processes and workflows
• Ability to work independently using own initiative, handle multiple and complex tasks and prioritize ongoing and new work assignments and deliver high-quality work against tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work across multiple projects and interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience preparing technical reports, reviewing grant proposals, or regulatory submissions.
• **Qualifications**
• A degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a highly related field.

Experience

• 6 to 10 years of industry experience.
• Demonstrated delivery of validated assays or workflows for high throughput screening, gene editing or similar application.
• Extensive hands-on experience in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, and cell culture optimization.
• Experience with material & test specs generation, protocol & report writing, process & test development, design verification, and validation.
• Familiarity with quality systems(GLP/GMP) and regulated laboratory practices; experience interfacing with CLIA/CAP labs is a plus.
• Experience in supporting technical (R&D) teams to ensure timely delivery of biological innovations.
• Knowledge of technology readiness levels, prototyping methodologies, and translational
• research pathways.