Research Associate

Oath; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Oath is a leading microbial sciences company advancing sustainable agriculture and climate solutions. We are seeking a Research Associate to support daily microbial strain cultivation, preservation, and documentation within a fast-paced R&D environment.

Join a team that mentors through hands-on lab skills, exposure to LIMS data management, and collaboration with scientists and CRO partners to develop novel microbial consortia products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology or related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant lab research experience.
• Foundational knowledge of microbiological techniques (aseptic handling, cultivation, media prep).
• Reliable source of transportation.

Responsibilities

• Support generation and curation of cryopreserved bacterial libraries and manage archives.
• Perform routine analytical checks for clonal purity, viability, and metabolic vitality.
• Carry out nucleic acid extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis for taxonomic classification.
• Coordinate sample prep for external DNA analysis with CROs and service providers.
• Assist in design and implementation of in vitro and in planta assays under supervision.
• Help operationalize lab automation and tracking systems to improve workflow.
• Maintain data integrity through accurate LIMS documentation.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs and identify process improvements.
• Manage lab infrastructure and inventory.

Skills

Aseptic handling

Pipetting

Cultivation

Media preparation

Nucleic acid extraction

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Data integrity

Laboratory automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field

Tools

LIMS

Automated liquid handling

Job description

Oath is a leading microbial sciences company that utilizes natural soil biology to offer innovative solutions to some of the most critical challenges facing our planet - the climate crisis and the shift to sustainable agriculture. We imagine a world where these crises are not just alleviated, but reversed, replenishing Earth's microbiomes.

Our solution has moved beyond the lab and into real-world deployment, focused on improving farmer livelihoods with teams in Rwanda, Europe, the United States, and expanding. When you join Oath, you become part of a collaborative network that prioritizes high quality scientific work. You will be working alongside trained scientists, talented commercial teams, and a broad network of partners—an ecosystem designed to help you do your best work and grow your capabilities.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Research Associate to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive R&D team. In this role, you will work under the guidance of the Microbial Curation Scientist and other senior team members to support day-to-day microbial strain cultivation, preservation, and documentation activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career to build hands-on laboratory skills, learn established microbiology and molecular biology techniques, and gain exposure to LIMS-based data management, while contributing to the development of novel microbial consortia products.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the generation and curation of high-fidelity cryopreserved bacterial libraries from environmental isolates, managing archival and working cell banks in accordance with standardized operating procedures.
• Execute routine analytical checks to monitor the clonal purity, viability, and metabolic vitality of microbial stocks and starting materials, reporting to the Microbial Curation Scientist.
• Perform molecular biology workflows, including nucleic acid extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, to facilitate taxonomic classification and ensure culture integrity.
• Coordinate the preparation and logistical tracking of samples designated for external DNA analysis with CROs and specialized service providers.
• Assist in the design and implementation of both in vitro and in planta experimental assays under the supervision of senior R&D staff.
• Operationalize laboratory automation and tracking systems, including automated capping/decapping hardware and liquid handling platforms, to optimize workflow efficiency.
• Maintain rigorous data integrity through the accurate and timely entry, maintenance, and retrieval of experimental information within the LIMS environment.
• Adhere strictly to SOPs while proactively identifying and communicating potential process improvements to the broader scientific team.
• Manage laboratory infrastructure, including consumables inventory management, organizational maintenance, and routine equipment upkeep.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation of all laboratory activities, experimental observations, and resulting data packages.
• Facilitate transparent communication of project milestones, technical inquiries, and operational bottlenecks to the curation team and senior leadership.
• Partner across the R&D organization to maintain robust sample tracking, chain-of-custody protocols, and general laboratory operational excellence.
• Oversee the compliant preparation and shipment of biological materials to external partners, ensuring adherence to all regulatory packaging and labeling requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of relevant laboratory research experience.
• Foundational knowledge of microbiological techniques, including aseptic handling, pipetting, cultivation, and media preparation, acquired via coursework or research.
• Reliable source of transportation.

Preferred

• Prior academic or research exposure to nucleic acid extractions and PCR-based analytical methods.
• Previous experience working within an industrial R&D laboratory setting.
• Experience with the cultivation of environmental microbial isolates, including bacteria or fungi.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management tools or digital data systems.
• Strong interest in agricultural biotechnology, plant-microbe interactions, and environmental sustainability.
• Experience maintaining laboratory safety standards and performing routine equipment upkeep.

Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt position in the United States. At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.

Location: Vacaville, CA, 5 days a week

Compensation: $70,000 - $86,000