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Scientist I, Synthetic Biology/Microbial Engineering

Employer
Federation Bio
Location
San Francisco, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Aug 9, 2021

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Genetics, Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Scientist I, Synthetic Biology/Microbial Engineering

The complex ecosystem of bacteria that comprise our gut microbiome are inextricably linked to the quality of human health. Federation Bio is a start-up company poised to leverage the power of active microbial communities to address high unmet medical needs. Our approach lies at the intersection of microbiology, chemistry, and genomics and uniquely enables us to harness the power of the microbiome and define the potential of this new therapeutic modality.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and innovative genetic engineer to lead the development of recombinant therapeutic microbes. This dynamic role operates at the intersection of synthetic biology, microbial genetics, and immunology. We are seeking someone who is scientifically rigorous, adaptable, and experimentally curious. The ideal candidate will be confident in the deployment of innovative methodologies for genetic manipulation of a wide variety of microbial taxa. The individual will play a critical role in the creative design and development of a new wave of engineered microbial therapeutics that lie at the frontier of translational microbiome research.

Core responsibilities and opportunities are:
  • Implement state-of-the-art and novel technologies for efficient genome engineering in non-model microbes
  • Design and implement innovative strategies for biocontainment and safety control of recombinant microbes
  • Identify partnerships with external collaborators to enhance knowledge and throughput related to microbiome engineering
  • Develop, scale, and execute in vitro assays to characterize engineered microbes
  • Coordinate and communicate with microbiologists and immunologists to conceive microbially-based therapeutic strategies and evaluate in vivo performance
  • Generate internal data seeding new pipeline or licensable programs
  • Represent functional team in cross-functional and company-wide team meetings
  • Provide regular oral and written communication, including excellent electronic lab notebook practices, on all projects and milestones
Requirements
Key Qualifications
  • Extensive experience in genetic engineering of model and non-model prokaryotic organisms
  • Extensive experience in molecular cloning techniques, DNA assembly, and vector design
  • Experience with development, implementation, and/or optimization of gene/genome editing tools
  • Working knowledge of NGS technologies, workflows, and analysis
  • Collaborative experience with data scientists, bioinformaticians, and/or computational biologists to help identify and implement novel tools and strategies for microbial engineering
  • Deep understanding of bacterial cellular physiology and metabolism
  • Ability to operate "off-protocol" to invent and develop novel methodologies and assays
  • Strong communication skills including technical writing
  • Excellent attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records, and an aptitude for independent troubleshooting
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, diverse, and fast-paced environment

Desired Additional Skills:
  • Proficiency in design and execution of automated protocols for high-throughput generation and characterization of recombinant microbes
  • Direct experience with CRISPR-based gene editing and technology development in eukaryotic cells in addition to bacteria
  • Proficiency in R, Matlab, Python or other relevant programming languages used in bioinformatics data analysis and visualization
  • Experience with cultivation and genetic manipulation of obligately anaerobic as well as aerobic microbes
  • Experience with protein engineering and/or bacterial surface display

At Federation Bio, we believe that high-performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who can challenge each other's assumptions with fresh perspectives and bring creative ideas to the table. We are committed to building an open, diverse, and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

This opportunity is full-time only. No contractors, consultancies or recruiters will be considered.

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