Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate

~ At Synthetic Genomics, Inc., we are dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global challenges. ~

At SGI we are using our pioneering genomic science to unlock the potential of microbial and plant resources to develop products that address global energy and environmental challenges. J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., regarded as one of the top scientists of the 21st century for his invaluable contributions in genomic research, founded SGI in 2005 to apply synthetic genomic and natural biological approaches for the production of renewable energy, substitutes for petrochemicals and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. 

We're a fast-growing, dynamic, collaborative, science-based clean technology company and our team consists of talented, passionate and driven individuals who want to make a positive impact on the world. SGI is uniquely positioned to lead the charge toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.  

Position Overview 

We are currently seeking a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to join our fast-growing, dynamic and collaborative team in La Jolla, CA.

Responsibilities

The associate will join a team that is focused on using synthetic biology to develop fungal/algal strains for production of nutritional ingredients and chemicals. The RA/SRA will support development of genetic tools and strain engineering efforts.

Qualifications 

Required Skills: 

• With direction from senior leadership, develop and execute research plans towards developing genetic tools and engineering fungal/algal microorganisms
• Genetic manipulation of fungal/algal strains in collaboration with other project members
• Small scale cultivation of fungal/algal strains including media preparation and culture maintenance
• Standard molecular biology - nucleic acid purification and manipulation, cloning, DNA sequencing, PCR, etc.
• Generate detailed and complete notebook and communicate data to group in written and oral reports
• Interact effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Required Experience: 

• Requires a bachelors or Masters degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related field with a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in industry or an academic lab
• Basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, SDS-page, gene cloning, DNA sequencing, RNA isolation, Western Blotting, etc.)
• Experience with genetically engineering (i.e. transformation, clone selection, evaluation) fungal/algal strains is preferred
• Experience with small scale fermentation (i.e. shake flask) is preferred
• Experience working with non-traditional microbes is desirable
• Proven ability to budget time and manage several distinct projects at once
• Eagerness to develop, learn and adopt new methods