Research Associate, Synthetic Biology

Job description

Conagen Inc. is a leader in the area of bio-manufacturing. We engineer organisms to produce molecules that are essential to our well-being. Scientists and Engineers at Conagen use the latest synthetic biology tools to design metabolic pathways, improve production organisms, optimize production procedures, and ensure the quality as well as safety of the final products. We focus on the bio-manufacturing of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, and renewable material industries. Science and Innovation are the driving forces of our Mission.

Job Description Overview:

We are currently seeking a Research Associate I/II to support our strain engineering efforts. The candidate is expected to have a good background in synthetic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and other related disciplines. Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to develop creative solutions to challenging problems, are essential. The successful candidate is a team player who takes pride in attention to detail, data delivery, and excels at time management. The candidate is also hardworking, meticulous and is expected to keep good lab notes. Communicates within and across teams.

Responsibilities:

• Routinely work with Escherichia coli, fungi, yeast etc. using aseptic technique for culturing, maintenance and transforming.

• Routinely prepare media, buffers and other chemical reagents.

• Routinely perform molecular biology techniques such as DNA cloning, plasmid mini-prep, restriction digestion, gel extractions, PCR, DNA and RNA extraction, DNA and Protein Gel Electrophoresis (agarose, SDS-PAGE etc.), DNA and protein sequence analysis.

• Execute established methods and SOPs.

• Deliver high-quality results in a timely manner

• Communicate results with supervisors and team members

• Keep lab notebook accurate and up-to-date

• Keep lab instruments well maintained

• Make process improvements as directed

• Manage consumables for the team

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree with 1-2 years of experience working in an industrial set-up or Master’s degree with hands-on experience in Molecular biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or other related fields

• Familiar with handling living cells, such as E. coli, Fungi, Yeast, etc. would be a plus

• Proficient in aseptic techniques and working in a Biosafety cabinet

• Working knowledge of BSL2 lab safety requirements

• Good laboratory practices including organized data documentation and presentation, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols.

• Ability to work in fast-paced and multidisciplinary environment

• Proficiency in using Microsoft tools, Bioinformatic tools, Sequence analysis & design software (e.g., Vector NTI, Geneious, SnapGene etc.)

Must be able to work under supervision as well as independently.

Full Time

The successful candidate must be highly motivated with good communication, leadership, and teamwork skills and must have high standards for one’s own work. Multitasking is essential. Flexibility to work in shifts / over weekends may be needed

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer – and celebrate our employees’ differences, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status.

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