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Research Associate, Synthetic Biology and Microbial Engineering

Employer
Federation Bio
Location
Balance Rock, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 25, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Genetics, Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
The complex ecosystem of bacteria that comprise our microbiome are inextricably linked to the quality of human health. Federation Bio is a biotechnology company leveraging the power of bacteria as a chassis and lies at the intersection of microbiology, chemistry, and genomics. The company's first-in-class platform combines the power of genetic engineering and synthetic consortium design to control systemic immune responses and broad metabolic functions. Federation Bio's pipeline addresses a range of serious illnesses from metabolic disorders to metastatic cancer.

Federation Bio was founded by two Stanford Professors as well as Venrock, one of the oldest venture capital funds in the United States.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and innovative researcher to contribute to 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 molecular biology methodologies for genetic manipulation of bacteria. 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. This individual's contributions will be pivotal in our ability to control the specificity and function of the human immune system using microbiome-based therapeutics.

Core responsibilities and opportunities are:
  • Conceive, design, and build genetic parts for engineering of non-model microbes.
  • Evaluate novel approaches for heterologous protein expression in human commensal isolates.
  • Develop, scale, and execute in vitro assays to characterize engineered microbes.
  • Routinely grow microbes for various in vitro and in vivo experiments.
  • Coordinate and communicate with microbiologists and immunologists to participate in conception of microbially-based therapeutic strategies.
  • Participate and present in cross-functional team meetings.
  • Provide regular oral and written communication, including excellent electronic lab notebook practices, on all projects and milestones.

Desired Skills:
  • Extensive experience in molecular cloning techniques, DNA assembly, and vector design.
  • Strong background in genetic engineering of model and non-model prokaryotic organisms.
  • Ability to use DNA editing/analysis software (e.g. Benchling, SnapGene, Geneious).
  • Experience with development and execution of quantitative PCR assays for gene expression and microbial detection.
  • Experience with flow cytometry experimentation and analysis workflows.
  • Knowledge of CRISPR-based gene editing and technology development.
  • Experience with cultivation and genetic manipulation of anaerobic microbes.

Requirements

Key Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioengineering, or a related discipline required. PhD level candidates are also encouraged to apply.
  • At least 2 years of experience in molecular biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, or protein engineering.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records, and an aptitude for independent troubleshooting.
  • Desire to work in a collaborative, diverse, and fast-paced environment.

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.

Employment is conditioned upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated for COVID19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved.

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