Technical Operations Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Company OverviewOur mission at Ansa Biotechnologies is to revolutionize the way we make DNA. Compared to
reading or editing life's code, writing new code from scratch has remained one of the field's most
elusive challenges. At Ansa, we are putting nature to work, creating novel enzymatic solutions
that will redefine how we build DNA. We believe that the biggest challenges our world faces will
be solved using biotechnology and that DNA synthesis is the fuel for that transformation. Our
enzyme-based approach (published in Nature Biotechnology) promises to dramatically accelerate
innovation in biological research and biotechnology, including therapeutics, diagnostics,
biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology.
Job Description
Ansa is seeking a deeply capable, visionary leader to partner with the COO in scaling our
manufacturing organization and technical capabilities. This is a critical role for a company
moving from early commercial traction into industrial-scale operations.
This leader will be responsible for the architecture and execution of a world-class lab automation
ecosystem, process engineering, bridging the gap between R&D and high-volume
manufacturing. The ideal candidate combines strong scientific and engineering depth with
operational rigor, capable of leading a multidisciplinary team. The role spans sustaining
manufacturing operations support, process scale-up, automation, QA/QC partnership, transfer of
processes from R&D into manufacturing, and capacity expansion planning, including future
facility build-out.
This is an on-site leadership role based in Emeryville, CA. Candidates must be in the Bay Area
or willing to relocate.
If you are energized by delighting customers and are stoked to help us ship DNA to world-
changing biotech companies and research labs, then we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
Process Scale-Up & Industrialization:
• Develop strategies to scale sensitive biological reactions into robust industrial processes.
• Establish a disciplined framework for tech transfer from R&D into Manufacturing,
ensuring processes are controlled, documented, and scalable.
• Drive initiatives to maximize first pass yields, reduce COGS through automation and
improve cycle time.
Automation & Lab Ecosystem Architecture:
• Architect and execute a multi-year automation strategy for custom enzymatic gene
synthesis, prioritizing modularity and extreme scalability.
• Drive the Automation Index - increasing the percentage of hands-free synthesis
workflows while achieving industry-leading first-pass yields.
• Partner with Software teams to ensure seamless data flow between LIMS, scheduling
software, and automated hardware.
Operational Excellence & Monitoring:
• Partner with Software teams to implement real-time Statistical Process Control (SPC) to
monitor process performance and robotic precision.
• Define and track critical KPIs: throughput capacity, cycle time, right-first-time yield,
labor productivity, and synthesis cost.
Quality, Compliance & Infrastructure:
• Partner with Quality leadership to build robust systems with "Quality in mind" (ISO
9001/13485 readiness) including deviation management, CAPA support, and change
control.
• Partner closely with the COO on future facility build-outs, including equipment strategy,
space planning, and infrastructure requirements to meet global demand.
Cross-Functional Leadership:
• Serve as a key cross-functional partner to R&D, Product Management, Commercial
teams, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality.
• Help translate company strategy into a manufacturing roadmap that supports growth.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
• This position operates in both a professional office environment and a biotechnology
laboratory/manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to tolerate lab environments, wear standard Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE), and occasionally lift or move equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Standard regional travel may be required for facility build-outs or vendor site visits.
Qualifications
• Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a
related field. (Equivalent deep industry experience with a BS/MS will be fully
considered).
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in biotech technical operations or
manufacturing, with a proven track record of 5+ years leading automation-centric
organizations or teams.
• Technical Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of liquid handling programming, custom
hardware integration, and scaling complex biochemical reactions.
• Scaling Success: Proven track record of moving processes from R&D into reliable, high-
volume commercial production.
• Systems Thinking: Ability to visualize the entire synthesis lifecycle, from digital
sequence to purified DNA product.
• Leadership: Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across functions
(R&D, Commercial, Finance) and inspire teams to solve "impossible" engineering
challenges.
• Domain Knowledge: Experience in nucleic acid synthesis, synthetic biology, or genomics
tools is strongly preferred.
What We Offer
• Competitive base salary and equity options.
• Generous benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ongoing professional development, mentorship, and training opportunities.
• A collaborative, innovative, and psychologically safe work environment.
• The opportunity to be part of a company at the forefront of synthetic biology and
innovation.
California Pay Transparency Disclosure
• San Francisco Bay Area Base Salary Range: $220,000 - $250,000.
Note: This range represents the expected base salary for this role at the time of posting. Actual
compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as specific skills,
relevant experience, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position is
eligible for an equity package and our full benefits portfolio.
Equal Opportunity & Diversity Commitment
Ansa Biotechnologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by applicable law.
At Ansa, we are building a high-performing team focused on changing how scientists access
DNA. We look for people who are curious, rigorous, accountable, and excited to work on hard
problems. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and the needs of
the business.