Company Description

AmpliSynth is a London-based synthetic biology company on a mission to democratise access to DNA synthesis. We are developing a benchtop platform that enables on-site, on-demand gene synthesis for research and biotech organisations.

Role Description

AmpliSynth is currently recruiting an experienced and self-sufficient scientist to join their team. As part of our continued investment in our DNA synthesis platform, this role is key to take our platform from proof-of-concept to a validated instrument.

This position is suited to someone who thrives on solving complex molecular biology challenges, and is confident working across disciplines in a fast-moving startup environment.

As an early hire, you will have direct scientific ownership and clear pathways for progression based on capability and impact.

Key responsibilities

• Design and optimise enzymatic DNA assembly workflows for the construction of long dsDNA, from oligonucleotide building blocks to multi-kilobase constructs.

• Develop assembly strategies for iterative build-up of complex genetic constructs.

• Build synthetic gene cassettes, and DNA constructs for functional testing.

• Develop strategies for sequence verification / fidelity, error correction, and QC across assembled constructs.

• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to integrate biological workflows into automated systems.

• Maintain lab notebooks, SOPs, and COSHH risk assessments.

What we need from you

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline.

• Expertise in DNA assembly methods and multi-fragment construct engineering in vitro and / or in cells.

• Strong understanding of nucleic acid biochemistry, sequence design principles and enzymology.

• Python or other scripting language for data analysis; comfort with command-line bioinformatics tools.

• Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong DoE skills with a rigorous, systematic approach to troubleshooting.

Nice to have

• Experience with synthetic genome construction, and combinatorial library design.

• Familiarity with nucleic acid thermodynamics and secondary-structure prediction tools (e.g. NUPACK, ViennaRNA or similar).

• Experience with fluorescence and FRET-based assays.

• Experience with instrument development and automation.

• Familiarity with how scientific results integrate with commercial value.

What we offer:

Join AmpliSynth and become part of a small, focused team building a platform technology with the potential to democratise DNA synthesis. We value scientific rigour, intellectual curiosity, and the agility and ownership that comes with being an early member of an ambitious startup.

• Competitive salary, reviewed annually

• Share options (EMI scheme) — meaningful equity participation for early employees

• 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays

• Pension contributions in line with UK auto-enrolment.

• A collaborative environment where your ideas directly shape the product

AmpliSynth Ltd is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, send your CV and a brief cover letter (max one page) to: admin@amplisynth.com. Within the cover letter we would like you to answer the following question: 

If you could synthesise any DNA sequence tomorrow without cost, length, and turnaround restriction, what would you build, and why?