Research Scientist I, Strain Engineering | Job ID: 201709-320-23
to be skilled in Yarrowia lipolytica molecular genetics
Genomatica develops commercial biobased processes to make widely-used chemicals that enable better, more sustainable everyday products. That enables our partners and leading brands to offer better food packaging, auto parts, clothing, tires, carpets, and more.
We’ve commercialized a process for bio-BDO (for plastics); and our technology drives the world’s first
commercial-scale biobased plant for a major intermediate chemical. We’re working on polyamide intermediates (nylon) and on butadiene (tires); and we’re helping numerous companies with their bioprocesses. We have moreon the way.
Genomatica is seeking a highly motivated and creative Research Scientist I to join the growing strain
engineering team. This team is responsible for construction, characterization, and optimization of metabolic
pathways and host strains. The successful candidate will utilize her/his knowledge of molecular biology and
microbiology to create, screen and select the best hosts for Genomatica’s production processes. The candidatewill have a strong background in molecular biology, microbiology, central metabolism and microbialphysiology. An ideal candidate for this position will have strong skills in the genetic manipulation of oleaginous yeasts, especially Yarrowia lipolytica. Knowledge of fermentation and eukaryotic cell biology is a plus.
Responsibilities:
• Construct, test and optimize genes and pathways for microbial chemical production
• Construct and isolate hosts strains, especially yeast, using various cloning techniques
• Work on a team and lead the molecular biology and microbiology efforts on a project
• Cultivate at small (96 well plates) and medium scale candidate strains
• Develop and apply HTP cultivation techniques for screening processes
• Characterize strains (growth, metabolite profiling…)
• Work and interact on a daily schedule with the molecular biology and fermentation teams
• Acquisition, evaluation, and presentation of data
• Follow and create standard operating procedures
Qualifications:
• PhD with 1-2 years post-graduate and industrial experience (or Master’s with 8+ years industry
experience) in molecular biology, microbiology of oleaginous yeast physiology (very strong PhD
candidates without post-graduate experience will also be considered)
• Experience in isolation, culture, storage and archiving of eukaryotic microorganisms, especially
oleaginous yeasts such as Yarrowia lipolytica.
• Experience in genetic modification of host strains including yeast recombination
• Excellent laboratory skills, proficient in a wide variety of molecular biology techniques
• Experience with high throughput cultivation techniques
• Basic understanding of fermentation (small scale) is helpful
• Very good computer skills, able to manage, organize, and critically evaluate data
• Excellent organization and communication skills (both written and oral) absolutely required
• Must be self-motivated, detail motivated and able to work independently
• Able to adjust and thrive in a fast paced, dynamic, team driven work environment
Work Environment/ Physical Demands:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position involves working primarily in a laboratory setting. As such this position requires the ability to stand or sit at the bench, the use of standard laboratory equipment as well as computers and office equipment. The position requires communication with other individuals through a variety of methods. There are no specific lifting requirements. Ability to travel for conferences, workshop and meetings may be necessary.
Link: https://www.genomatica.com/careers/