Research Associate, Biology

Research Associate, Strain Engineering/Biology ZymoChem is hiring a Research Associate, Strain Engineering/ Biology to join a rapidly expanding R&D team and help drive the company’s metabolic pathway development and strain optimization efforts. In this fast‑paced, technical milestone‑oriented role, you will acquire diverse experiences in enzyme development, strain characterization, high‑throughput automated screening, and design‑of‑experiments. Additional responsibilities include building and expanding the Strain Development Group’s capabilities with state‑of‑the‑art technologies and routinely interfacing with other groups such as the Analytics and Fermentation Teams. Responsibilities Design of experiments, execution & optimization of protocols, and collection & processing data with a focus on strain characterization for achieving targeted TRY metrics of small molecule products. Implement molecular and synthetic biology workflows for the construction of plasmids, strains, and enzymes to facilitate strain characterization and pathway optimization efforts. Develop and carry out high‑throughput microbial cell culture workflows for the routine assessment of new strains. Assist with in vitro and in vivo enzymatic assays. Interface with the company’s data management system to record strain and enzyme‑based data. Effectively communicate and collaborate with other R&D groups, including the Molecular Biology, Fermentation, and Analytics Teams. Manage the streamlined operation of the Strain Development Group by routinely preparing sterile materials, reagents, and media as well as maintaining the group’s chemicals and consumables inventories. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications MS or BS in Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related discipline. 1–5 years of relevant lab, industrial, or startup experience. Desired level of experience depends on years of experience. Expertise with bacterial physiology and the execution of microbial cell cultures in the context of biosynthetic pathway development & characterization is strongly preferred; additional experience with other industrially relevant microorganisms is a plus. Hands‑on experience with synthetic biology and strain engineering techniques such as PCR, Gibson Assembly, restriction digestion, ligation, and homologous recombination. Experience with protein expression, purification, and enzymatic assays. Rigorous attention to details with experimental design, execution, noise/variability, reproducibility, and record‑keeping. Keen sense for both physical (lab) and data‑oriented organization. Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency. Culture & Benefits We are a mission‑driven team building the future of sustainable materials. At ZymoChem, you’ll work on bold ideas with smart, collaborative people while enjoying benefits that support you to have work & life balance. Competitive pay range of $80,000‑114,000 based on experience. Company stock options. 401(k) retirement plan (traditional and Roth) with up to 4% company match. 100% employee coverage on base medical, dental, and vision plans and up to 80% dependent coverage, as well as life and long‑term disability insurance. Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance. Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 11 paid company holidays per year. Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well. Monthly team all‑hands and social events. Legal & EEO Statement Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr ZymoChem, Inc.