Cultivarium - Research Associate, Fungal Microbiology

Convergent Research; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research organization is seeking a fungal microbiologist to join a dedicated team focused on groundbreaking projects in biotechnology. This role involves hands-on experimentation with diverse fungi, developing protocols for culturing, and maintaining rigorous scientific standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for microbiology and at least 2 years of relevant research experience. You will collaborate closely with scientists and engineers, contributing to exciting advancements in science and technology. If you are eager to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on research experience in fungal microbiology.
• Proficiency in microbiology and sterile techniques is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on microbial culturing and characterization experiments.
• Develop protocols for culturing fungal species with and without automation.
• Maintain high standards of reproducible and rigorous science.

Skills

Microbiology

Sterile techniques

Fungal culturing

Creative thinking

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

BS/MS in biology

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Environmental biology

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Lab automation tools

Job description

Cultivarium is a focused research organization with a mission to accelerate the adoption of new organisms for biotechnology. We are looking for experts who can contribute both individually and as part of a team to create tangible solutions for a ‘moonshot’ project. You will be part of a close-knit, driven team of scientists and engineers that are building technological infrastructure for the cultivation of non-model microorganisms, to open new avenues for science, technology, medicine, and agriculture.

We are looking for a fungal microbiologist to help characterize non-model organisms through culturing and high-throughput screening. The successful candidate has experience in culturing filamentous fungi and is comfortable performing hands-on wet lab experimentation with a variety of microbes. You will work closely with scientists, molecular biologists and automation engineers in a dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on microbial culturing and characterization experiments with a focus on diverse fungi.
• Develop protocols and reagents for culturing fungal species in diverse growth modalities (plates, flasks, solid media) with and without automation.
• Procure, prepare, sterilize and maintain growth media, reagents, and other materials.
• Set up, operate, and maintain microbial laboratory instrumentation (incubators, shakers, plate readers).
• Handling and storing fungal and bacterial sample collections with comprehensive labeling and tracking.
• Maintain high standards of reproducible and rigorous science, with meticulous documentation.
• Report and analyze data daily in a highly organized manner.
• Present data to the team.
• Write protocols and SOPs for manual and automated experiments.
• Communicate with direct supervisor regularly.
• Any additional tasks assigned by the team lead.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Basic Qualifications

• Passion for breaking barriers in microbiology.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. BS/MS in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology or related fields is required.
• 2+ years of hands-on research experience in academia or industry with a focus on fungal microbiology is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in microbiology and sterile techniques (preparation of media, glycerol stocks and reagent stocks, sterilization, cell culture, serial dilutions, plating, CFU quantification, streaking, growth curves).
• Experience with diverse culture methods for fungi.
• Familiarity with analysis and troubleshooting of fungal growth.
• Comfortable with using and learning lab automation tools.
• Ability to ensure quality experimental design (replicates, positive and negative controls) and follow protocols.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous record-keeping and highly organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, a proclivity for reasoning from first principles.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.
• Proficiency in staying up to date with new technologies/literature related to the field.
• Effective communicator.

Advanced Qualifications

• Experience with liquid or solid-state fermentation at any scale.
• Experience with applying molecular techniques to fungal species.
• Experience with anaerobic cultivation.
• Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation.
• Proficiency with design of experiments (D.O.E) for process optimization.

We are bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. We identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.