Sr. Research Associate​/Scientist, Molecular Biology

Checkerspot Biosciences is a category-defining biotechnology company tailoring fats and oils via precision fermentation. The company develops functional lipids not easily or sustainably sourced from nature, enabling premium brands to access market-ready ingredients that advance health, wellness, and quality of life.

We seek an enthusiastic, team-oriented problem solver to join our Molecular Biology group as a Senior Research Associate or Scientist.

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments using molecular biology and genetic tools to alter metabolism of microbial strains and improve strain phenotypes including productivity, yield, and production of novel molecules
• Utilize bioinformatics and DNA sequence analysis techniques to support construct design and validate successfully engineered strains
• Analyze experimental results using statistical tools, draw conclusions from the data, document experiments in Benchling electronic lab notebook, present to internal collaborators and design follow up experiments
• Develop and refine genetic tools by identifying bottlenecks, increasing efficiency and bringing in new techniques from literature
• Work closely with Strain improvement, Bioinformatics, Fermentation Development and Analytical teams to assess impacts of strain engineering on key performance metrics and support project decision making.
• Use automated liquid handling robots for high throughput tasks
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation and written examples for IP and regulatory filings

• Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree with minimum of 3-6 years of relevant industry experience, or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related disciplines. Title will be determined based on education, relevant experience, technical depth, and demonstrated independence.
• Experience with standard molecular biology/molecular genetic techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, library screening, DNA and RNA purification
• Hands-on experience constructing, validating and screening engineered bacterial, fungal or microalgal strains or mammalian cell lines for producing novel molecules and improving productivity and yield; experience with developing new, robust screening tools and transformation strategies is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to plan experiments, troubleshoot technical problems, interpret experimental results, and determine appropriate next steps, with increasing independence based on experience and role level.
• Strong understanding of basic biochemistry principles and concepts, especially metabolism and strain engineering,
• Ability to manage large datasets and draw conclusions from them
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and communicating scientific results, conclusions, and recommendations to technical collaborators and management.
• Committed to safety in a laboratory environment
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without company sponsorship

Checkerspot Biosciences offers its employees a competitive benefits and compensation package. The expected pay range for this role is $80,000 to $130,000 annually with final determination commensurate with experience.

Checkerspot Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.