Microbiologist

About us

Talam Biotech is pioneering proprietary breakthrough technology that can reduce the amount of toxic metals in food and remediate contaminated soils. Our technologies are already in field testing, and we are actively scaling in Europe and North America. Our organization is built upon innovation, encouraging bold ideas and fresh insights, and we are expanding at our new Corporate Headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We are looking for individuals who will help build this fast-growing, investor-backed start-up.


Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a Microbiologist who will be a foundation for our research team in Maryland. You will work to establish our research capabilities and staffing needs in the US and work collaboratively with our research team of microbiologists, plant scientists, soil scientists, and bioinformaticians located in our Ireland office to provide novel solutions to reduce heavy-metal contamination of food crops using naturally occurring soil micro-organisms.

You will need to be self-motivated and willing to learn rapidly on the job. You will have an important role building the research and development capability of a fast growing company.

If you are motivated by responsibility and passion to create safer food and cleaner soil, and have the qualifications below, we would like to hear from you.


What will you do?

• Screening and Isolating soil/plant heavy metal resistant, TPH/PAH degrading, or plant growth promoting microbes
• Design and conduct molecular and bioassay experiments for the mechanism of action study of the selected microbes
• Designing and executing product development experiments
• Communicating scientific findings to key business partners through written technical and non-technical materials, and oral presentations
• Preparing technical reports and SOPs, maintaining appropriate RD records (e.g. Laboratory notebooks), procurement of research materials, and general laboratory management
• Organizing and maintaining stocks and consumables including essential strain collections and microbial consortia
• Carrying out routine maintenance of equipment
• Assisting with research funding and patent applications.

Qualifications Desired Profile

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Microbial Genetics, or related field.
• Postdoctoral or industry experience desired, but not required
• Demonstrated expertise in the isolation, culturing, and characterization of environmental microbes
• Research experience in soil microbiome and/or plant-microbe interaction is highly desirable
• Ability to function in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment with minimal supervision
• Work well independently, be a self-starter, and bring new ways of working to the research team; Creatively solve problems and take ownership of new projects.
• Ability to manage more than one workstream at a time, good managerial and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well with internal teams and external collaborators
• Comfort with ambiguity and complexity required; open to change and learn.

As part of the application process, please send a brief cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate for this position.