Principal Scientist, Applied Environmental Microbiology

Fieldstone Bio; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fieldstone Bio is seeking an Applied Environmental Microbiologist to advance engineered microbial biosensors in environmental settings. The role is hands-on and lab-based, leading from the bench and collaborating with the Synthetic Biology and AI Data teams.

The successful candidate will design, develop, and execute assays, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the company’s early-stage research strategy in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related field with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Extensive experience evaluating engineered microorganisms in application-relevant environments.
• Hands-on experience with engineered microorganisms; non-model, soil- or mining-associated microbes preferred.
• Experience developing assays for microorganisms in non-model environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Prior mentoring or management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Versatile, collaborative scientist in a fast-paced lab.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute cell-based assays to screen engineered microbial strains.
• Lead development of novel strategies for applying engineered microorganisms in unique environments.
• Drive decision-making experiments regarding microbial chassis deployment in application-relevant environments.
• Collaborate with Synthetic Biology Team to assess lead candidates.
• Provide mentorship to junior microbiology team members.
• Ensure timely delivery of goals for set milestones.
• Document processes and results in an ELN system.

Skills

Cell-based assays

Microbiology

Environmental monitoring

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field

Tools

ELN systems

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

About The Company

Fieldstone Bio is an early-stage synthetic biology company focused on environmental monitoring. Our technology, which originated at MIT, combines microbiology, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and advanced imagery to solve key challenges in mining, pollution surveillance, and national security.

About The Company

Fieldstone Bio is an early-stage synthetic biology company focused on environmental monitoring. Our technology, which originated at MIT, combines microbiology, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and advanced imagery to solve key challenges in mining, pollution surveillance, and national security.

Position Summary

Fieldstone Bio is looking for a highly motivated Applied Environmental Microbiologist to join our growing team, where they will test the diverse functions of our engineered microbial-based biosensors. The successful candidate will independently contribute to the development and implementation of different assays intended to discern functional output of a variety of engineered model and non-model microorganisms in application-relevant environments. This is a hands-on, lab-based role that will lead from the bench and will work collaboratively with the company’s Synthetic Biology team and AI Data team. This role provides a unique opportunity to impact the development of research strategies at an early-stage biotechnology company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute cell-based assays to screen for the function of engineered microbial strains
• Lead development and innovation of novel strategies driving successful application of engineered microorganisms in unique, non-traditional environments
• Drive decision-making experiments regarding microbial chassis deployment in application-relevant environments
• Collaborate with Synthetic Biology Team to assess lead engineered candidates in application-relevant conditions
• Provide mentorship to junior members of the microbiology team while leading from the bench
• Ensure timely delivery of goals for set milestones
• Document processes, results, and entity registration in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) system

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
• Extensive experience with evaluation of performance of engineered microorganisms in application-relevant environments
• Prior hands-on experience working with engineered microorganisms is required, with non-model, soil-associated, or mining-associated microbe experience preferred
• Experience with novel methods of microbial characterization in application-relevant environments
• Assay development for microorganisms in non-model environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and outside-of-the-box thinking
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Prior mentoring or management experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Versatile and flexible scientist who thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative lab environment

Fieldstone Bio is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.