Your role:

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Research Associate with experience in synthetic biology to support the company’s initiative on prolonged carbon storage. This role requires a core focus on the construction of plasmids for protein expression in various host organisms including algae, protein purification and activity assays. Hands-on experience with techniques in molecular cloning, PCR, protein purification, and activity analysis are highly desirable. The successful candidate will be both a strong lab-based individual contributor and a team player who works well with other scientists. The candidate will contribute to key discovery studies which will have a direct impact on the success of our biotech programs to advance company goals.

Your responsibilities:

• Perform molecular cloning to assemble novel plasmid DNA constructs
• Perform plasmid DNA and genomic extraction from E. coli, yeast and algal cells 
• Perform standard PCR assays, qPCR assays, and single/multiplex RT-qPCR assays 
• Work on expression of recombinant proteins and characterization of protein expression using standard assays including SDS-PAGE and western blot
• Perform protein purification and in vitro protein activity assays
• Work with supervisor to improve enzyme activities use mutagenesis approaches including directed evolution
• Accurately document experimental protocols, perform analysis and help with interpretation of data, and timely report key findings to supervisor and research team
• Proficiency in working with basic bioinformatic tools including various DNA analysis software programs such as Genious or equivalent, and with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Requirements and qualifications:

• BS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology or other related fields with 2 or more years of biotechnology experience in industry or academia
• Technical proficiency in general laboratory practices, including chemical reagents preparation, pH measurement, media preparation, aseptic technique, safety practices, etc.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, including plasmid DNA construction, transformation, and isolation including mini- and maxi-prepping procedures
• Experience in genomic DNA and total RNA isolation from plant tissues
• Experience in PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR analysis
• Experience in recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization
• Knowledge in DNA analysis software for sequence alignment, comparison, and vector map construction
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Experience with database management
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Effective communication (written/verbal) and ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team are critical
• Self-starter who can operate with minimal supervision