Protein & Metabolic Engineering: Research Associate II

Description

Lygos develops novel microbial technologies for the fermentative production of commodity and specialty chemicals. Lygos identifies expensive, environmentally hazardous, and harmful processes used today and develops safe, renewable routes to the same products in order to achieve a more sustainable future. Lygos is seeking to hire an experienced Research Associate, preferably with previous experience working in the Biotechnology Industry, to support its molecular biology needs to develop new microbial strains for the production of organic acids and cannabinoids. We offer a diverse, respectful and supportive workplace.

Position Description

The successful applicant will be an experienced Research Associate, proficient in molecular biology and gene cloning, and work as part of a collaborative team to engineer microbial strains for improved production of organic acids and cannabinoids. The position will involve employing molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction and purification, PCR, molecular cloning, and cell transformation to build new microbial strains and perform protein engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design new DNA constructs and PCR primers for genome integration and plasmid-based expression using molecular biology software packages
• Perform PCR, molecular cloning, and transformation to build large numbers of new microbial strains for production testing
• Construct combinatorial libraries for protein engineering efforts
• Validate strain and plasmid construction using PCR and DNA sequencing methodologies
• Participate in the maintenance of Lygos’ strain collection and LIMS
• Design experiments to screen production performance of new microbial strains and libraries and interpret resulting data
• Engage in technical discussions and research planning
• Maintain good laboratory practices and participate in the development of standard operating protocols

Additional Responsibilities

The candidate will work under the supervision of and report to strain engineering scientists. The candidate will also be expected to work collaboratively with Lygos’ fermentation, downstream processing and analytical departments. The Lygos team works closely with all employees to support career development and facilitate the learning of new skill sets

Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree in molecular biology or biochemistry (or related field).
• 2+ years of post-degree in-lab molecular biology experience (academic or industrial).
• Experience with general lab procedures, sterile technique, data interpreting/reporting and be comfortable in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and collaboration.
• Strong organization skills and proven ability to manage details.
• Energetic, creative, team player.
• Experience in a synthetic biology/metabolic engineering startup a plus.

Secondary Knowledge and Skill Considerations

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to motivate team members and support a strong, healthy, collaborative laboratory culture.
• Ability to deliver on projects and assignments within timeframes.
• Experience in engineering a range of microorganisms a plus.

Authorization to work lawfully in the United States for Lygos required. Visa sponsorship unavailable.