Application Guide
How to Apply for Automation Scientist Intern, RAC Operations
at GinkGo Bioworks
🏢 About GinkGo Bioworks
Ginkgo Bioworks is a pioneering synthetic biology company that designs custom microorganisms for various industries, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. What makes them unique is their platform approach to biology—they've built foundries of robotic automation (like their RAC systems) to program cells at scale, treating biology as an engineering discipline. Someone might want to work there to be at the forefront of industrializing biology, working with cutting-edge automation in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
About This Role
As an Automation Scientist Intern in RAC Operations, you'll be hands-on with Ginkgo's Reconfigurable Automation Cells, learning to operate, monitor, and troubleshoot robotic systems that execute molecular and cell biology workflows. This role is impactful because you'll directly support the company's core mission of scaling biological engineering—ensuring experiments run smoothly helps accelerate research and development for Ginkgo's diverse projects.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start by checking the RAC platform queue to monitor ongoing molecular biology workflows, remote troubleshooting any errors with the Apex Support team. You'd then prepare reagents for upcoming experiments, onboard new plates, and possibly modify protocols for the automation system. The day could end with offboarding used materials and documenting run outcomes, blending hands-on lab work with digital oversight.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who GinkGo Bioworks Is Looking For
- Has practical experience with coding (e.g., Python, scripting) or biology lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, reagent prep), even from coursework or personal projects.
- Demonstrates an 'automation-forward' mindset—e.g., has tinkered with robotics, automated tasks in a lab or coding project, or shows curiosity about optimizing systems.
- Is proactive and adaptable, willing to handle both remote monitoring and on-site tasks like error recovery or plate disposal to keep workflows running.
- Shows enthusiasm for learning at the intersection of biology and technology, with no need for a formal degree but a drive to master new skills quickly.
📝 Tips for Applying to GinkGo Bioworks
Highlight any hands-on experience with lab automation or robotics—even if it's from a university lab, internship, or hobby project—and describe how you made a system 'run smoother.'
Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'RAC,' 'protocol generation,' 'molecular biology workflows,' or 'remote monitoring,' and provide concrete examples of coding or biology skills.
Research Ginkgo's RAC platform and mention specific aspects (e.g., their use in synthetic biology) in your application to show genuine interest in their technology.
Emphasize your willingness to do 'whatever it takes'—share a story where you troubleshooted a problem or went above-and-beyond in a team setting.
If you lack a degree, focus on projects or self-taught skills in coding or biology, and explain how they prepare you for this role's blend of tech and science.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express your passion for automation and robotics, linking it to Ginkgo's mission of scaling biology through platforms like RAC.", "Provide a specific example of how you've used coding or biology skills in a practical setting, such as automating a task or handling lab reagents.", "Explain why you're excited to learn both the technical (RAC operation) and biological (workflow execution) aspects of the role.", 'Mention your collaborative mindset and eagerness to work with the Apex Support team, showing you value teamwork in problem-solving.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Ginkgo's website and press releases to understand their core projects in synthetic biology, such as enzyme design or biomanufacturing partnerships.
- → Look into their RAC (Reconfigurable Automation Cells) technology—how it's used in their foundries and its role in high-throughput biology.
- → Review Ginkgo's company culture and values (e.g., from their blog or employee reviews) to see how they emphasize innovation and teamwork.
- → Learn about the broader synthetic biology industry and Ginkgo's competitors to discuss trends and why Ginkgo stands out.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning Ginkgo, RAC, or automation—this shows lack of research and interest in the specific role.
- Overemphasizing academic credentials while neglecting hands-on examples of coding, biology, or problem-solving skills.
- Failing to demonstrate an 'automation-forward' mindset—e.g., not sharing stories of optimizing systems or showing reluctance to handle both tech and lab tasks.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to GinkGo Bioworks!