Senior Research Associate

Role Overview

• Coordinate and conduct all work in strict compliance with applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standard operating practices, and/or guidelines.
• Assist in the design, build, screen/test, and cultivation of model and non-model organisms including bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
• Perform routine strain engineering workflows and general molecular biology procedures, including DNA and RNA isolation and purification, PCR, sequencing, ligation, assembly, chemical and electrical transformations, and conjugation.
• Development of high-throughput assays, including the design and implementation of plate-based growth assays using Agilent BioTek instruments.
• Perform batch fermentations in either microtiter plates or flasks and prepare samples for submission for downstream organic extraction.
• Support team members by preparing specific solid and liquid media, buffers and reagents to support synthetic biology workflows.
• Assist with QC and data collection as requested.
• Accurate and well-organized record keeping of all experimental work for the development of SOPs and maintenance of an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Prepare comprehensive slide presentations summarizing key points and results, effectively communicate findings to a larger audience as needed.
• Maintenance of the laboratory including general housekeeping functions, inventory maintenance and organization, and equipment upkeep.
• Assist in the onboarding of research technicians by overseeing training of general lab operations and molecular biology procedures, organizing a clear training schedule and coordinating with other lab members as needed.
• Assist Regulatory permit submissions for the BRC.
• Assist USDA guideline training for all BRC members.

Requirements

• Passion for the expanding field of synthetic biology, especially as it relates to the development of novel products and sustainable solutions.
• Experience in microbial cultivation of E. coli and other hosts.
• Candidates with experience in one of the following: gram positive bacteria, automation tools or procedures, high-throughput assay or workflow, processing and/or analyzing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data would be preferred.
• Biotechnology software experience, such as Geneious and Snapgene is a plus.
• Works well in teams, especially with synthetic biology and microbiology group members but also across other research department functions.
• Strong communication, presentation and listening skills.
• Must be a self-starter with good organizational skills and detail-oriented.
• Will foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.
• Education: BS/MS in Biology, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry with 2-5 years of relevant experience in a research environment.

Tech Stack

• Assembly

Benefits

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days