Molecular Biologist, Scientist II

Joyn Bio is an ag-biotech company developing more sustainable ways to feed the world. Started by agriculture and synthetic biology leaders Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks, Joyn Bio is engineering beneficial microbes found in the environment to improve naturally occurring processes like nitrogen fixation. With exclusive access to Ginkgo Bioworks’ automated foundries for biological engineering and Bayer’s crop science expertise, Joyn Bio is delivering the scale and power of synthetic biology to agriculture. Joyn Bio brings together scientists with diverse backgrounds at its two sites in Boston, Massachusetts and Woodland, California to develop new microbial solutions that address growers’ biggest challenges. For more information please visit www.joynbio.com.

Objective

• The scientist will develop methods and design experiments to quantify expression of target genes from microorganisms associated with plant samples. Deliverables generated from this role will increase the robustness of strain performance. 

Responsibilities

• Develop methods for quantifying gene expression from microorganisms derived from plant samples.
• Drive experimental design and execute experiments independently.  
• Work with microbial engineers to determine and design necessary strain controls for pipeline screening and intellectual property support. 
• Collaborate with Plant Science team members to design experiments that will provide insight on strain performance. 
• Stay current with literature and latest technical developments in areas of interest and relevant to research. 
• Contribute to the overall strategy of microbial engineering efforts to produce elite strains for in-planta screening. 
• Adhere to all laboratory safety policies and practices. 
• Prepare monthly reports summarizing results.
• Act as team player by being willing to support Plant sciences and microbiology QC scientists in the preparation of strains, QC and run DNA based quantification of strains derived from plant materials as needed to meet project timelines.   

Training/Experience

• Ph.D. specialized in the area of molecular biology, microbiology, microbial genetics with 2+ years industry experience OR 
• MS degree with 5-8 years industry experience with molecular biology, microbiology, microbial genetics OR 
• BS degree with 10+ years industry experience with molecular biology, microbiology, microbial genetics. 
• Demonstrated expertise in the area of development of PCR, RT-qPCR methodology from microorganisms. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop biochemical assays to detect engineered strains from plant samples. 
• Possess exceptional microbiology technique and deeply knowledgeable of culturing methodology. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and work cross-functionally with diverse groups of scientists to meet strategic research objectives. 
• Established track record of contributing to project strategy, critical thinking, leadership and presentation skills, ability to tactfully challenge the status quo. 
• Proficient in the use of basic bioinformatic tools to design vectors and primers
• Integrative thinker with the ability to see the big picture and how multiple functions intersect to answer complex biological questions. 
• Preferred if candidate has previous experience working with Ag biologicals
• Preferred if candidate has previous experience in microbial genetics of plant-microbe-interactions

Organizational

• This position will report to a Senior Scientist in Plant Science at our Woodland, CA site.
• This individual will collaborate with Joyn Bio Departments across sites.