Sr. Research Associate/Scientist, Molecular Biology

Checkerspot, Inc.; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Checkerspot Biosciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate or Scientist to join the Molecular Biology group in Alameda, CA. You will design and execute molecular biology experiments to modify microbial metabolism and improve strain performance, using DNA analysis and high-throughput techniques.

Collaboration across teams and documentation for IP/regulatory filings are key aspects of the role. Ideal candidates have 3–6 years of industry experience (or advanced degrees) and a strong background

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree with minimum of 3-6 years of relevant industry experience, or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related disciplines.
• Experience with standard molecular biology/molecular genetic techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, library screening, DNA and RNA purification
• Hands-on experience constructing, validating and screening engineered bacterial, fungal or microalgal strains or mammalian cell lines for producing novel molecules and improving productivity and yield; experience with developing new, robust screening tools and transformation strategies is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to plan experiments, troubleshoot technical problems, interpret experimental results, and determine appropriate next steps, with increasing independence based on experience and role level.
• Strong understanding of basic biochemistry principles, metabolism and strain engineering
• Ability to manage large datasets and draw conclusions from them
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and communicating scientific results to technical collaborators and management
• Committed to safety in a laboratory environment
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without company sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to alter metabolism of microbial strains and improve productivity, yield, and production of novel molecules.
• Utilize bioinformatics and DNA sequence analysis to support construct design and validate engineered strains.
• Analyze results using statistical tools, document experiments in Benchling, present to collaborators and design follow-up experiments.
• Develop and refine genetic tools by identifying bottlenecks and bringing in new techniques from literature.
• Collaborate with Strain Improvement, Bioinformatics, Fermentation Development and Analytical teams to assess impacts on performance metrics.
• Use automated liquid handling robots for high throughput tasks.
• Assist in preparing technical documentation for IP and regulatory filings.

Skills

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Experimental design

Communication

Team collaboration

Lab safety

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

PhD in relevant field

Tools

PCR

qRT-PCR

DNA sequencing

Cloning

Benchling

Job description

Checkerspot Biosciences is a category-defining biotechnology company tailoring fats and oils via precision fermentation. The company develops functional lipids not easily or sustainably sourced from nature, enabling premium brands to access market-ready ingredients that advance health, wellness, and quality of life.

We seek an enthusiastic, team-oriented problem solver to join our Molecular Biology group as a Senior

Research Associate or Scientist.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments using molecular biology and genetic tools to alter metabolism of microbial strains and improve strain phenotypes including productivity, yield, and production of novel molecules
• Utilize bioinformatics and DNA sequence analysis techniques to support construct design and validate successfully engineered strains
• Analyze experimental results using statistical tools, draw conclusions from the data, document experiments in Benchling electronic lab notebook, present to internal collaborators and design follow up experiments
• Develop and refine genetic tools by identifying bottlenecks, increasing efficiency and bringing in new techniques from literature
• Work closely with Strain improvement, Bioinformatics, Fermentation Development and Analytical teams to assess impacts of strain engineering on key performance metrics and support project decision making.
• Use automated liquid handling robots for high throughput tasks
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation and written examples for IP and regulatory filings

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree with minimum of 3-6 years of relevant industry experience, or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related disciplines. Title will be determined based on education, relevant experience, technical depth, and demonstrated independence.
• Experience with standard molecular biology/molecular genetic techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, library screening, DNA and RNA purification
• Hands-on experience constructing, validating and screening engineered bacterial, fungal or microalgal strains or mammalian cell lines for producing novel molecules and improving productivity and yield; experience with developing new, robust screening tools and transformation strategies is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to plan experiments, troubleshoot technical problems, interpret experimental results, and determine appropriate next steps, with increasing independence based on experience and role level.
• Strong understanding of basic biochemistry principles and concepts, especially metabolism and strain engineering,
• Ability to manage large datasets and draw conclusions from them
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and communicating scientific results, conclusions, and recommendations to technical collaborators and management.
• Committed to safety in a laboratory environment
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without company sponsorship

BENEFITS

Checkerspot Biosciences offers its employees a competitive benefits and compensation package. The expected pay range for this role is $80,000 to $130,000 annually with final determination commensurate with experience.

Checkerspot Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.