Elegen is blazing a path towards a biology-based economy with a highly innovative approach to DNA synthesis that delivers an industry leading length of 7kb in 7 business days with a 99.999% per base accuracy. Our multidisciplinary team of best-in-class biologists, chemists, hardware, and software engineers apply cutting-edge technologies and methods to solve critical bottlenecks in synthetic biology workflows to help our customers in pharma, biotech, agbio, and biomanufacturing streamline their work and realize the full potential of programmable biology.

This is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing company at an early stage and to have an impact on the development of its products, markets, processes, people, and culture. We are seeking a Procurement Specialist who thrives in the startup environment to support Elegen’s growth and our commercialized products. As part of the Operations team, your primary responsibilities include the end-to-end procurement of supplies, equipment, and materials necessary for end users across the organization for facilities located in Menlo Park and San Carlos, CA.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a motivated self-starter who is highly detail-oriented and looking to utilize their procurement experience to support Elegen, which is a uniquely innovative, rapidly moving, high impact start-up. Overall, you will play a critical role in the procurement of both inventory and end-user materials, lab equipment/instrumentation, and other materials as necessary. Additionally, this position requires strong communication skills (external supply vendors), ability to work cross functionally (internally), resourcefulness with the ability to resolve/reconcile discrepancies, and order management via Point Purchasing (Procurement Software System), etc. You will help us establish a strong culture of mutual respect, integrity, and collaboration while working alongside some of Silicon Valley’s best scientists and engineers.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Submit purchase orders (POs) to external supply vendors using Point Purchasing Procurement System.
  • Maintain Point Purchasing Procurement System and advise of any changes required within the system, ensuring compliance with company’s policies and procedures.
  • Confirm that POs are processed in a timely manner via constant communication with external vendors (vendor follow up).
  • Confirm quote accuracy prior to order placement/ submitting POs for processing.
  • Review and close out old outstanding POs as needed. 
  • Obtain order confirmation upon request by end users.
  • Obtain lead times and courier tracking information from vendors and couriers as needed for both inventory related and lab end-user orders to ensure timely delivery of materials.
  • Resolve order discrepancy with vendors and couriers as necessary and communicate with end users in parallel for updates.
  • Ensure an open communication relationship with the Supply Chain team for inventory material orders that are on backorder.
  • Partner with end users and the Supply Chain team to process returns (RMA).
  • Identify and execute opportunities for supplier consolidation to drive efficiency and reduce procurement costs.
  • Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, quotes, and inventory data using Procurement and ERP Systems.
  • Partner with Finance and Accounting to resolve any financial/ accounting discrepancies.
  • File expense reports as needed in an Expense Management Software System (e.g. Fyle).
  • Manage the corporate spend on the company’s purchasing cards. 

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

  • 4+ years of procurement or purchasing experience required.
  • 2+ years of customer service experience required.
  • Exhibits strong communication skills and experience working with various external supply vendors (including soft skills).
  • Experience with procurement systems (e.g. Point Purchasing, Coupa) and ERP systems (e.g. NetSuite, SAP).
  • Ability to multitask and enjoy the start-up environment.
  • Highly organized, ability to prioritize overall workload, resourceful problem solver, and exudes strong time management skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in procurement processes.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to assess costs, risks, and opportunities.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

  • B.S. Degree in Business or Life Sciences related field.
  • Previous experience working in the Life Sciences industry.
  • Understanding of lab materials (plastics/consumables or reagents) and lab equipment preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual base salary compensation for this role, if based in California is: $89,440 - $99,840. Compensation may be different in other locations.  Final compensation also includes bonus, equity and benefits.   Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location. 

✓ Healthcare    ✓ Dental    ✓ Vision    ✓ Learning Allowance

✓ 401K    ✓ Flexible PTO   ✓ Short Term Disability    ✓ Fitness Allowance

About The Company:

Founded and led by Dr. Matthew Hill and located in San Carlos, CA, Elegen is well-capitalized by top life science investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and KdT. The company is advised and staffed by leading biotechnology scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Marc Unger, inventor of the Nanoflex™ valve, and former CSO of Fluidigm. Dr. Hill has a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of advancing innovative technologies from invention to commercial success. Over eight years in his previous role as VP of R&D at a leading molecular diagnostics company, he co-invented and launched five precision molecular diagnostic products, including a best-in-class noninvasive prenatal test used by millions. These products earn more than $350 million per year in revenue and enabled an IPO.

Elegen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elegen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.  All applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws: 

Apply for this Job

* Required
resume chosen  
(File types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)
cover_letter chosen  
(File types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)


Enter the verification code sent to to confirm you are not a robot, then submit your application.

This application was flagged as potential bot traffic. To resubmit your application, turn off any VPNs, clear the browser's cache and cookies, or try another browser. If you still can't submit it, contact our support team through the help center.