Microbial Metabolic Engineering Research Associate

Lesaffre North America; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative organization focused on developing microbial solutions for agriculture, food, and biofuels. As a Microbial Metabolic Engineering Research Associate, you will leverage your expertise in molecular biology and microbial strain engineering to design genetic modifications and optimize assays. This role offers impactful work and growth opportunities within a sustainable organization that values passion, respect, and entrepreneurship. If you are a motivated and detail-oriented scientist eager to contribute to cutting-edge research, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive 401K

Benefits from day 1

12 holidays

Growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 1+ years of industry experience in molecular biology.
• Experience with plasmid cloning and microbial strain engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design genetic modifications for yeast and bacterial strains.
• Perform molecular cloning and optimize assays for engineered strains.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on microbial solutions.

Skills

DNA and plasmid cloning

Microbial genetic engineering

Data analysis

Collaboration

Microorganism culturing

Safety practices

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor's in Molecular Biology

Bachelor's in Biochemistry

Bachelor's in Microbiology

Tools

Python

R

Benchling APIs

Job description

Microbial Metabolic Engineering Research Associate

Join to apply for the Microbial Metabolic Engineering Research Associate role at Lesaffre North America.

• Recombia will consider candidates across Research Associate experience levels. Responsibilities listed align with a Research Associate II level, but requirements, responsibilities, and duties will vary across RA I, RA II, and RA III levels.

About Us

This role is within Recombia Biosciences, part of the Lesaffre Group since 2022. We develop microbial solutions for industries like agriculture, food, and biofuels, leveraging advanced biotech such as metabolic and genome engineering.

Lesaffre is a global leader in fermentation, with over 170 years of history, 11,000 employees, and a 3-billion euro turnover. We focus on nutrients and bio-actives that promote health, animal well-being, and plant nutrition.

Core Values

Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, humility.

Pay Range

$50,000 to $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

What We Offer

• Innovative and sustainable organization
• Competitive 401K, benefits from day 1, 12 holidays
• Impactful work and growth opportunities

What You Bring

Experience in DNA and plasmid cloning, transforming microorganisms, supporting high-priority projects, and collaborating across teams. A motivated, detail-oriented scientist with a strong background in molecular biology and microbial strain engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design genetic modifications for yeast/bacterial strains using classical/high-throughput methods
• Perform molecular cloning and verify constructs
• Optimize assays for engineered strains
• Collaborate with leadership and team members
• Automate workflows for strain engineering and assays
• Utilize data analysis skills to support research
• Work with cross-functional teams on microbial solutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related
• 1+ years industry experience
• Experience with plasmid cloning (GoldenGate, Gibson, restriction enzymes)
• Designing primers, preparing DNA, interpreting sequencing results
• Microbial genetic engineering experience (E. coli, S. cerevisiae, fungi)
• Microorganism culturing skills
• Strong safety practices, communication, organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Programming (Python, R)
• Mentoring skills
• Experience with Benchling APIs
• Microbial bioreactor experience
• Willingness to learn and grow

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities. This position requires US work authorization; no immigration sponsorship.