Research Associate | Molecular Biology

About us: Switch Bioworks is an early stage biotech startup that spun out of Stanford. Our mission is to feed a growing world sustainably by displacing industrial nitrogen fertilizer that is damaging the planet. To do this, we’ve developed and patented a new technology based on synthetic biology and the natural plant microbiome. We are looking for talent to help us realize our vision. Some call it a moonshot. We call it an earthshot.

About the position: As a Research Associate, you will be coming in on the ground floor to work with our team on constructing and testing genetic circuits, building strains for real-word applications, and helping characterize strain performance in soil and on plants. You will be involved in experimental work based on the skills listed below and data analysis + troubleshooting. Additionally, you will learn about startup operations and have a direct role in growing a deep-tech biotech company.

Characteristics of a successful candidate: 

• Ability to work full-time in the US and be on-site in the California Bay Area.
• At least 2 years of wet-lab experience in the life sciences. (Note: to properly acknowledge your previous experience, if you have 3+ years of wet-lab experience, we will bring you on as a RA II or Senior RA).
• Skills in all or most of the following molecular biology techniques: bacterial culturing, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Gibson assembly (design and execution), transformation (chemical, electrical, conjugative), DNA purification, Sanger sequencing and analysis, plate reader assays, fluorescence microscopy.
• Preferred (but not required): experience in growing and handling plants (gnotobiotic hydroponics or soil).
• Excellent presentation, writing, and data analysis skills; ability to clearly communicate technical information to colleagues.
• A team player excited to work with scientists and grow upward.
• An execution-focused self-starter – a generalist problem solver with drive to acquire new skills as needed.
• Positive can-do attitude.

Want to learn more or apply? E-mail the following to hello@switchbioworks.com: (1) your resume, (2) a paragraph or cover letter about why you’re excited to join Switch, (3) when you’d want to start. We’ll take it from there!

See here for other opportunities at Switch!