Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Strain Engineering
Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Strain Engineering
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$ 90000 - 90000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Join our team:Willow Biosciences now part of Mycofeast Ltd. is a leading biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing industrial manufacturing of pure consistent and sustainable develops and produces highpurity ingredients for personal care food and beverage and pharmaceutical markets. Willows team has a proven track record of developing and commercializing biobased manufacturing processes and products to benefit our B2B partners and their customers.
Job title:Research Associate/Associate Scientist Strain Engineering
Job Summary:We are looking for a highly motivated and detailoriented Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join our Strain Engineering team. This role focuses on the metabolic engineering of biosynthetic pathways in microbial hosts particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae E. coli and related organisms. The ideal candidate will bring strong molecular biology skills and handson experience with synthetic DNA and geneediting technologies to support the design construction and optimization of engineered strains. Familiarity with genome editing protein engineering microbial physiology and recombinant protein production is a strong plus. This position is ideal for someone eager to thrive in a fastpaced collaborative startup environment and contribute meaningfully to cuttingedge strain development workflows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate lab automation platforms including robotic liquid handlers (e.g. Bravo QPix Opentrons) for highthroughput workflows.
- Collaborate with scientists to design and construct singlegene multigene and combinatorial libraries aimed at strain improvement.
- Build and clone multigene DNA assemblies and expression libraries in yeast and E. coli continuously optimizing and updating internal protocols.
- Prepare and load DNA libraries for inhouse Nanopore sequencing and assist in managing sequencing workflows.
- Participate in iterative Design/Build/Test/Learn (DBTL) cycles to meet key program and company milestones.
- Develop and optimize highefficiency transformation protocols for integrating libraries into microbial hosts.
- Support the development of highthroughput experimental platforms for strain screening and characterization.
- Perform a range of molecular biology techniques including PCR gel electrophoresis plasmid preparation and transformation for strain QC and validation.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all lab work using electronic lab notebooks (experience with Benchling or similar platforms is a plus).
- Draft and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs) and provide documentation of workflows and experimental outcomes.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skillsboth written and verbalwith the ability to present experimental data clearly to multidisciplinary teams.
- High attention to detail excellent organizational skills and commitment to lab safety and good laboratory practices.
- Comfortable working in highthroughput fastpaced environments with shifting priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Proactive and collaborative team player who also thrives in independent work settings.
- Willingness to learn and implement new tools techniques and technologies as needed.
- Familiarity with Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in microbiology Molecular Biology Biochemistry Chemical Engineering or a related life sciences field.
- 13 years of handson experience in an industrial research setting (biotechnology pharmaceutical or life sciences) particularly with:
- DNA library design and construction
- Cloning transformation sequencing
- Homologous recombination and CRISPRbased gene integration
- Working in a highthroughput environment
Employment Details:
- Type: Fulltime Onsite
- Location: Sunnyvale CA US
- Travel: Not required
- Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks using hands and wrists.
- Prolonged periods of standing pipetting and working at a bench.
- Compliance with lab safety practices and PPE usage (lab coat gloves safety glasses).
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary package
- Generous PTO and company holidays
- Comprehensive medical dental and vision insurance
- Life AD&D short and longterm disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan management
Equal Opportunity Employer:Willow Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race religion color gender sexual orientation gender identity age status as a protected veteran status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications merit and business need.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
