Scientist - Strain Engineering

Scientist I - Strain Engineering

The purpose of the Strain Engineer Scientist is to bring in expertise to expedite design, construction and modification of strains to achieve company objectives (titer, yield, scale up etc.). The secondary goal will be to provide useful insights into fermentation process development to help find the best conditions for maximum titer yields. Experience with strain scale up is also desired.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently perform gene insertion/deletion, genome engineering methodologies, and heterologous protein expression; specifically in yeast and bacterial strains.
• Independently operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation and follow standard operating procedures, which may include analytical, biochemical, or molecular biology focal areas.
• Design and execute experiments to enhance strain performance, protein yield, and scale up from laboratory to industrial setting.
• Conduct genetic engineering research on yeast and/or bacteria strains and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate genetic advancements into product development.
• Interpret data and assist in incremental improvement of current procedures and protocols.
• Document data, methods, and results in a lab notebook.
• Deliver concise oral or written reports on finished projects or experiments.
• Maintain a clean and well-organized laboratory workspace.
• Adhere to all company guidelines on safety and operational excellence in a laboratory and office environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering or relevant field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial or academic research or an appropriate equivalent.
• Expertise in molecular biology methods for generation of protein expression constructs for transformation into host cells: PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, interpretation of DNA sequencing results.
• Expertise in cell culture techniques for yeast and bacteria.
• SDS-PAGE, Western Blot.
• Technical knowledge in analytical approaches to data collection and familiarity with instrumental methods of analysis.
• Good organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to present data to small internal R&D groups.
• Collaboration across multi-functional teams is critical.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or other relevant field from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years' industrial (or relevant academic) research or equivalent experience.
• Experience with yeast strain engineering.
• Experience with heterologous protein expression using yeast hosts.
• Experience with small scale bioreactor yeast fermentations (Infors, Eppendorf).
• Some experience with scale up from lab scale to pilot scale yeast fermentations.

This job has minimal supervisory responsibilities but will transition into leadership in technical groups upon demonstration of capability for mentorship and constructive scientific instruction.

The expected salary range for this position is: $75,000 - $110,000/year. This role may be eligible for additional compensation, which can include bonuses or other incentive programs, depending on role eligibility.

Major benefits offered include:

• Health insurance:
  Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits: 401(k) program with company participation.
• Paid time off:
  Responsible Time Off (RTO) program for exempt employees.
• Paid holidays:
  Company-designated holidays.
• Parental & family leave:
  Paid parental leave and support for Colorado FAMLI benefit coordination.
• Disability & life insurance:
  Employer-paid and voluntary options.