Manufacturing Specialist -Water Bear Bio (ETS)- Temporary

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

Water Bear Bio & The Opportunity: Water Bear Bio is an academic biotech startup revolutionizing the way biological samples are handled. We are preparing to launch our cutting-edge Extract & Store (E&S) technology, which integrates RNA extraction and stabilization into a single, field-ready kit. By dramatically improving RNA stabilization and eliminating the need for ultra-cold storage, our drop-in system enables critical emerging virus surveillance and testing anywhere in the world.

As we accelerate our go-to-market transition, we are seeking a highly motivated Temporary Manufacturing Specialist to join our launch team. In this high-impact, sprint-focused role, you will be instrumental in scaling up our production to turn international collaborations into our first sales. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience bridging the gap between university-born innovation and commercial manufacturing, directly supporting pilot deployments at high-credibility sites globally.

About the Role: We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Specialist to transition our Extract & Store (E&S) technology from ad-hoc assembly to small batch manufacturing. While employed through Emory University, this role directly supports Water Bear Bio’s goal of rapidly deploying E&S kits to strategic domestic and international pilot sites. By establishing dedicated inventory, this role will eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks and significantly reduce the sales and pilot cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scale up ad-hoc kit assembly to small batch manufacturing to produce at least 100 fully packaged product kits.
• Manufacture 50 kits of 50 extractions and 50 kits of 96 extractions (Bio Card arrays).
• Execute repeatable standard operating procedures (SOPs) developed in partnership with Rook Quality Systems.
• Conduct quality control testing and adhere strictly to lot release criteria.
• Assemble and package components, including lysis tubes, Bio Cards, drop-in storage cylinders, and liquid reagents.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Prior hands-on experience working in a laboratory, cleanroom, or medical device/biotech manufacturing environment.
• Quality & Compliance: Demonstrated experience executing strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a clear understanding of lot release criteria and quality control.
• Technical Dexterity: Excellent fine motor skills for the precise, repetitive handling of small components, such as assembling 1.5 mL tubes, loading desiccant spheres, and securing membranes.
• Work Habits: Hyper-attention to detail to ensure end-user viability. Must be highly reliable, capable of managing time independently to hit strict inventory targets, and proactive in communicating supply shortages or bottlenecks.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.