Head of Strain Engineering & Microbial Platforms

Astanor; California (MO); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Bioworks in San Carlos, CA, seeks a Director of Strain Engineering to define strategy and lead a high‑performing team. You will drive high-throughput strain engineering, design modular genetic parts, and guide construction and screening for non-model bacteria, while managing partnerships and IP strategy.

You will work hands-on at the bench, scale the team, and report to the Chief Scientific Officer, delivering on the platform roadmap and value creation for external collaborations.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading scientific teams and managing budgets.
• Experience engineering bacterial strains for commercial deployment.
• Hands-on expertise with design-build-test-learn cycles in synthetic biology.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the bacterial strain engineering platform.
• Direct tool development for DNA delivery, editing, and assembly.
• Own project milestones across bench, greenhouse, and field tests.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategy and IP planning.
• Manage a growing team and annual budget for the platform.

Skills

People leadership

Lab automation

High-throughput

Molecular genetics

DNA library design

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology

M.S. in related field

Tools

Benchling LIMS

DNA synthesis tools

Job description

Switch Bioworks in San Carlos, CA, seeks a Director of Strain Engineering to define strategy and lead a high‑performing team. You will drive high-throughput strain engineering, design modular genetic parts, and guide construction and screening for non-model bacteria, while managing partnerships and IP strategy.

You will work hands-on at the bench, scale the team, and report to the Chief Scientific Officer, delivering on the platform roadmap and value creation for external collaborations.