Principal Scientist, Applied Environmental Microbiology

Fieldstone Bio; Woburn, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fieldstone Bio, an MIT‑originating environmental monitoring company, seeks a Principal Scientist to lead applied microbiology efforts. You will independently drive cell-based assays, evaluate engineered strains in realistic environments, and mentor a growing microbiology team.

The role is hands-on, bench‑focused, and collaborative with the Synthetic Biology and AI Data teams. You will contribute to strategy and data‑driven decision making in a fast‑paced biotech startup setting.

Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years of industry experience in microbiology or related field.
• Extensive experience evaluating engineered microorganisms in real-world settings.
• Hands-on work with engineered microbes; non-model environment exposure preferred.
• Experience with novel microbial characterization methods in applied environments.
• Ability to develop assays for microorganisms in non‑model environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and creative thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Prior mentoring or management experience is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptable, collaborative, and thrives in fast-paced labs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute cell-based assays to screen engineered microbial strains.
• Lead development and innovation of strategies for applications in non-traditional environments.
• Collaborate with Synthetic Biology Team to assess lead candidates in relevant conditions.
• Provide mentorship to junior microbiology team members while bench‑level leadership.
• Ensure timely delivery of goals for defined milestones and projects.
• Document processes, results, and ELN entries in the lab notebook system.

Skills

Microbiology expertise

Assay development

Data analysis

Mentorship

Independent work

Project management

Education

PhD in Microbiology or related field

Tools

ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook)

PCR/qPCR

Statistical software

Job description

Principal Scientist, Applied Environmental Microbiology

Woburn, MA

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
• 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.