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Dna Nanotechnology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director - Nanotechnology

San Diego, CA · On-site

$158K - $293K/yr

The Opportunity * Lead all research efforts for nanoparticle formulation, analytical ... A strong background in DNA delivery is a plus. * Familiarity with nucleic acids chemistry and ...

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Dna Nanotechnology information

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$15

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How much do dna nanotechnology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for dna nanotechnology in the United States is $29.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is DNA nanotechnology?

DNA nanotechnology is a field of science that uses the unique properties of DNA molecules to design and build nanoscale structures and devices. Instead of focusing on genetics, researchers in this field use DNA as a construction material, taking advantage of its predictable base-pairing to create complex shapes, patterns, and even machines at the molecular level. Applications of DNA nanotechnology include drug delivery, biosensing, and the development of new materials. This interdisciplinary field combines principles from chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering.

What is the difference between Dna Nanotechnology vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectDna NanotechnologyMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Nanotechnology, Bioengineering, or related fieldsMaster's or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academic institutions focusing on nanoscale applicationsLaboratories, research institutions, healthcare settings studying biological systems
Industry UsageDeveloping nanoscale devices, drug delivery systems, biosensors
Common Search/ComparisonYes

While Dna Nanotechnology focuses on designing nanoscale structures using DNA for technological applications, Molecular Biologists primarily study biological systems at the molecular level. Both roles require advanced degrees and work in research environments, but their applications and focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DNA nanotechnology researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DNA Nanotechnology Researcher, you need a strong background in molecular biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and computational modeling tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills help drive innovation and successful collaboration in research settings. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing, executing, and interpreting complex experiments that advance the field of DNA nanotechnology.

What are the typical collaborative partners for a professional working in DNA nanotechnology, and how does interdisciplinary teamwork influence project success?

Professionals in DNA nanotechnology often collaborate with experts in fields such as molecular biology, chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering. Interdisciplinary teamwork is crucial, as projects frequently require combining expertise in DNA design with skills in imaging, synthesis, and computational modeling. Open communication and regular meetings are common to ensure alignment on project goals, troubleshoot challenges, and accelerate innovation. Working in such a multidisciplinary environment not only broadens your technical skillset but also enhances your ability to solve complex problems, making you a valuable contributor to cutting-edge research and development.
More about Dna Nanotechnology jobs
What cities are hiring for Dna Nanotechnology jobs? Cities with the most Dna Nanotechnology job openings:
What states have the most Dna Nanotechnology jobs? States with the most job openings for Dna Nanotechnology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dna Nanotechnology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,502 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Molecular Design & DNA Nanotechnology Lead

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Astera
Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.
Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.
Position Summary
The Astera Institute is seeking a Molecular Design & DNA Nanotechnology Lead to lead the design and wet-lab fabrication of a DNA-origami electrostatic actuator - a charged origami plate/polymer/electrode stack that, driven by an applied field, produces controlled nanometer-scale motion through a force-transmitting linkage. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a full-time position.
Responsibilities
  • Design the DNA-origami actuator mechanism - the charged drive plate, the force-transmitting structure, and the amplifying lever or four-bar linkage - that turns a small electrostatic deflection of the plate into a larger, controlled output displacement within a sub-200-nanometer footprint.
  • Use coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulation (e.g., oxDNA) to predict the mechanism's mechanical behavior - stiffness, compliance, and thermal stability of its motion - and iterate the design.
  • Fold and optimize the DNA origami in the wet lab (annealing, buffer, and magnesium conditions), and design the site-specific chemistry that anchors the plate and mechanism to the device surface.
  • Own folding yield and quality control, and prepare structures for characterization by atomic-force microscopy (AFM), cryo-electron microscopy, and single-molecule fluorescence.
  • Lead a small, interdisciplinary founding team and collaborate closely with device-physics, controls, and computational colleagues.

Qualifications and Experience
  • PhD in structural DNA nanotechnology, biophysics, bioengineering, chemistry, or a related field, with demonstrated DNA-origami design and folding experience.
  • Proficiency with DNA-nanostructure design tools and coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulation (e.g., caDNAno, oxDNA).
  • Hands-on wet-lab command of folding, gel and AFM quality control, and purification.
  • A track record of taking nanoscale structures from design through to characterized, functional devices.
  • Ability to lead a small interdisciplinary team and communicate across disciplines.

Location
This position is on site at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.
Compensation
The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.
  • See the Benefits Summary.

Cultural Alignment
  • Bias to action - you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
  • Flexible by default - you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6-12 months.
  • High standards, internally driven - you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.
  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship - you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
  • Embrace the tools that define great work today - Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly; we see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras.