Sr. Research Associate/Scientist, Molecular Biology

Breakout Ventures; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Checkerspot Biosciences seeks a Senior Research Associate or Scientist to join the Molecular Biology group. You will design and optimize microbial strain metabolism, apply genetic tools, and work across Strain Improvement, Bioinformatics, Fermentation Development and Analytical teams.

Required are advanced molecular biology skills and hands-on experience with strain engineering; strong data analysis, communication, and safety culture are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree requirements reflect level; PhD or equivalent experience considered for senior roles.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, library screening, and purification.
• Experience characterizing and engineering microbial or mammalian cells for production.
• Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot, and progress with increasing independence.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot molecular biology experiments to modify metabolism and improve strain phenotypes.
• Use bioinformatics and DNA sequence analysis to support construct design and validate engineered strains.
• Analyze results with statistics, document in Benchling, and present findings to collaborators.
• Develop and refine genetic tools, identify bottlenecks, and implement new techniques from literature.
• Collaborate with Strain Improvement, Bioinformatics, Fermentation Development and Analytical teams.
• Utilize automated liquid handling robots for high-throughput tasks.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Experimental design and troubleshoot

Data analysis and statistics

Education

Bachelor's degree or Master’s with 3–6 years OR PhD in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics

Tools

Benchling

Automated liquid handling robots

DNA/RNA purification workflows

Job description

COMPANY 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.