DNA Software doubles staff in downtown Ann Arbor

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

DNA Software has been in Ann Arbor since 2000, but it really started to hit its stride just last year. That's when the downtown-based firm solidified its funding and doubled its staff to 15 people and a few independent contractors. It's also working to set up an internship program with local colleges.

"We're working with the local talent to make a difference in Ann Arbor," says Jeff Machak, vice president of business development for DNA Software.

The software company recently hired a Kalamazoo College graduate. The software company recently hired graduates from Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and Kalamazoo College. Machak is even a Pfizer refugee that DNA Software hired in 2007, shortly after Pfizer closed its Ann Arbor campus. DNA Software is currently looking for the right local talent and hopes to expand its staff in the relatively near future.

DNA Software, recently named one of Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch, conducts original wet lab research, develops molecular biology software and provides scientific consulting. The company’s technology (technology spun off from Wayne State University) helps scientists to quickly and accurate design, simulate and analyze DNA and RNA-based experiments. These are often used to help predict how maladies, such as those caused by flu, evolve.

The company is developing new technology for 3D structure modeling of RNA-based molecules and plans to use that technology for drug discovery applications like antibiotics.

Source: Jeff Machak, vice president of business development for DNA Software
Writer: Jon Zemke