Job Description
A recently founded biotechnology startup company with a mission to develop and commercialize low carbon sustainable aviation fuels from highly productive algae is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate to join the strain development team.
Under supervision of scientific staff, the senior research associate will contribute to strain development through genetic transformation, molecular validation, and downstream characterization of marine algae. This position will support the lab-based trait discovery and strain development teams in San Diego, CA.
Essential Responsibilities
- Aseptic laboratory scale cultivation of algae
- Strain engineering through nucleic acid isolation, design, and manipulation such as genetic transformation and plasmid construction
- Molecular validation by isolation and assessment of nucleic acids via PCR, RT-PCR, and gel electrophoresis
- Preparation of nucleic acids for whole genome next-generation sequencing and RNA-seq
- Interpretation of sequencing data
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in life-sciences such as molecular biology, cell biology, or microbiology with 2-3 years laboratory experience, or bachelor’s degree with 4-6 years laboratory experience
- Laboratory experience with genetic transformation, genome editing, and molecular validation
- Laboratory experience in the extraction of nucleic acids for molecular characterization and next-generation sequencing
- Experience with plasmid design and sequence analysis software
- Ability to follow and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain best laboratory practices
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with phototrophic microorganisms such as algae preferred
- Laboratory experience from industry preferred
- Laboratory experience in preparation of protein and downstream characterization
- Hands-on experience with utilization and maintenance of large preserved cell bank inventorie
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
