Associate Scientist/Scientist, Strain Engineering
Willow Biosciences
- Sunnyvale, CA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Design and build strains to optimize production of target molecules, based on knowledge of metabolic pathways and cellular physiology.
- Design and build of single-gene and combinatorial libraries for strain improvement (using in-house bioinformatics tools).
- Improve protocols for building/cloning multi-gene DNA assemblies/libraries in yeast.
- Improve protocols for high efficiency transformation of libraries into expression host microbes such as yeast.
- Prepare DNA libraries for Nanopore sequencing (in-house)/Load DNA libraries into the flow-cell.
- Hands on experience working with lab automation equipment such as robotic liquid handlers (e.g., Bravo, QPix, Opentrons)
- Apply a broad range of analytical methods including qPCR, DNA electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and SDS-PAGE gels to QC and test strains.
- Improve in-house automation platforms and high throughput workflows to increase experimental throughput.
- Take an active role in sequence/activity data analysis and offer strategic recommendations based on interpretation of data for subsequent strain/enzyme engineering decisions.
- Perform hypothesis-driven wet-lab experiments in microtiter plates and shake flasks to improve strain/enzyme metrics.
- Collaborate closely with fermentation team to develop strains/enzymes & processes toward commercial targets
- Keep organized and detailed documentation; develop SOPs for documentation and knowledge transfer.
- Keep up to date with current literature in molecular biology tool development such as advancements in gene-editing and implement innovative technologies as relevant.
- Present data internally as well as with outside stakeholders, including investors and partners.
- Mentor Research Associates
- Work in partnership with other scientists (computational biologists, analytical chemists, and fermentation scientists) to identify, develop, and apply new synthetic biology & genome engineering tools to meet company goals/milestones.
- Participate in rapid “Design/Build/Test/Learn” cycles with other lab scientists to meet company goals & milestones.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
- Ability to communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.
- Attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practice.
- Ability to track documentation, have good record keeping and write reports and SOPs.
- Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing needs.
- Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines.
- Work in partnership with other scientists (molecular biologists, computational biologists, and analytical scientists) to meet company goals/milestones.
- Capable of high performance in independent work as well as in team setting.
- A strong desire to grow as a scientific researcher, learn new techniques and adopt innovative technologies for process improvements.
- Experience working with ELN and LIMS (Benchling preferred)
- Be curious, creative, and tenacious.
- Model our core values and believe in our mission.
- Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods
- Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
- Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses and gloves)
- Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Opportunities for professional development
- Snacks, weekly lunch, company, and team wide social events
- Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Opportunities for professional development
- Snacks, weekly lunch, company, and team wide social events