Research Associate, Biology

Responsibilities

• Design of experiments, execution & optimization of protocols, and collection & processing data with a focus on strain characterization for achieving targeted TRY metrics of small molecule products
• Implement molecular and synthetic biology workflows for the construction of plasmids, strains, and enzymes to facilitate strain characterization and pathway optimization efforts
• Develop and carry out high-throughput microbial cell culture workflows for the routine assessment of new strains
• Assist with in vitro and in vivo enzymatic assays
• Interface with the company’s data management system to record strain and enzyme-based data
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with other R&D groups, including the Molecular Biology, Fermentation, and Analytics Teams
• Manage the streamlined operation of the Strain Development Group by routinely preparing sterile materials, reagents, and media as well as maintaining the group’s chemicals and consumables inventories
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• MS or BS in Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related discipline
• Level of Associate is dependent on years of experience with 1-5 years of relevant lab/ industrial/ start-up experience being preferred
• Expertise with bacterial physiology and the execution of microbial cell cultures in the context of biosynthetic pathway development & characterization is strongly preferred; additional experience with other industrially relevant microorganisms is a plus
• Hands on experience with synthetic biology and strain engineering techniques such as PCR, Gibson Assembly, restriction digestion, ligation, and homologous recombination
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and enzymatic assays
• Rigorous attention to details with experimental design, execution, noise/variability, reproducibility, and recordkeeping
• Keen sense for both physical (lab) and data-oriented organization
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency

Culture and Benefits

We are a mission-driven team building the future of sustainable materials. At ZymoChem, you’ll work on bold ideas with smart, collaborative people while enjoying benefits that support you to have work & life balance.

• Full-time Opportunities
• Competitive pay range of $80,000-114,000 based on experience
• Company stock options
• 401(k) retirement plan (traditional and Roth) with up to 4% company match
• 100% Employee coverage on base medical, dental, and vision plans and up to 80% dependent coverage. and life and long-term disability insurance
• Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance
• Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 11 paid company holidays per year
• Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well
• Monthly Team all-hands and social events