Research Associate III, Strain Engineering

Research Associate III, Strain EngineeringW2 ContractPay Rate: $45 - $55 per hourLocation: Menlo Park, CA - Onsite RoleJob Summary:The purpose of this position is to engineer and optimize yeast to produce valuable plant natural products for the pharmaceutical industry. The employee will be part of an interdisciplinary, dynamic, and enthusiastic team and must demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. The employee should have a strong desire and ability to learn and contribute as both a leader and team player within a cross-functional project team.Duties and Responsibilities:Formulating scientific hypotheses, constructing new strains, and testing modifications to increase the production of plant natural products in yeastApplying a range of molecular biology techniques for the design, construction, transformation, and screening of genetically engineered microbial strains and enzyme libraries in bacteria and yeastDesigning and constructing custom DNA sequences (plasmids, linear DNA, gene libraries) for the above via standard molecular biology workflows in E. coli and yeast.Developing and executing cell-based assays for strain assessment and functional characterization of various novel proteins according to internal proceduresFacilitating the scheduling and coordination of complex multi-day experimental schedules and workflowsAnalyzing data, documenting, and presenting results and ideas clearly.Requirements and Qualifications:B.A./B.S. or M.S. in molecular biology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, engineering, or other related disciplines with 5 or more years of relevant experience working in a laboratory environmentProficiency with molecular biology and genetic engineering methods, including PCR, primer design, genomic DNA/plasmid DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, restriction digest, cloning, DNA sequencing, strain verification by PCR analysis, and experimental troubleshooting strategies for the aboveProficiency with techniques used for DNA construction and assembly, DNA transformation into E.coli and S. cerevisiaeExperience with culturing microbial organisms in microtiter plates and shake flasksFamiliarity with microbial metabolism and/or metabolic pathway databases (e.g., KEGG)Experience with yeast cultivation and genetic manipulation (transformations, genomic modifications) is required; experience with CRISPR/Cas systems for genetic engineering is a plus.Ability to work under deadlines and good time management skillsCapability to manage and organize multiple ongoing multi-day workflows, including scheduling instrumentation, preparing reagents and materials, and interfacing and communicating within and across our interdisciplinary teamsWell-organized and detail-oriented, but also flexible enough to work and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment Bayside Solutions, Inc. is not able to sponsor any candidates at this time. Additionally, candidates for this position must qualify as a W2 candidate.Bayside Solutions, Inc. may collect your personal information during the position application process. Please reference Bayside Solutions, Inc.'s CCPA Privacy Policy at www.baysidesolutions.com.Desired Skills and ExperienceMolecular Biology, Strain Engineering, Yeast Engineering, Metabolic Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Microbial Strain Construction, Plant Natural Products, Synthetic Biology, Scientific Hypothesis Development, DNA Design, Plasmid Construction, Gene Library Construction, Linear DNA Assembly, Molecular Cloning, PCR, Primer Design, DNA Sequencing, Restriction Digest, Gel Electrophoresis, Genomic DNA Isolation, Plasmid DNA Isolation, Strain Verification, DNA Assembly, DNA Transformation, E. coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Enzyme Library Screening, Microbial Screening, Cell-Based Assays, Functional Characterization, Protein Characterization, Yeast Cultivation, Microbial Culturing, Microtiter Plate Workflows, Shake Flask Cultures, Genomic Modifications, CRISPR/Cas, Metabolic Pathway Analysis, KEGG, Data Analysis, Experimental Troubleshooting, Scientific Documentation, Results Presentation, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Laboratory Operations, Workflow Coordination, Experimental Scheduling, Time Management