Senior Research Associate - Sumitomo Biorational LLC

Job Overview

This role is within Sumitomo Biorational Company’s Synthetic Biology department. The successful candidate will support internal metabolic engineering projects across prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial hosts, reporting to a Sr. Bioinformaticist.

• Coordinate and conduct work in strict compliance with safety, containment, and standard operating procedures.
• Assist in the design, build, screen, test, and cultivation of model and non-model organisms including bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
• Perform routine strain engineering workflows and molecular biology procedures (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, sequencing, ligation, assembly, transformations, conjugation).
• Develop and implement high‑throughput assays, including plate‑based growth assays using Agilent Bio Tek instruments.
• Conduct batch fermentations in microtiter plates or flasks and prepare samples for downstream organic extraction.
• Prepare solid and liquid media, buffers, and reagents; support QC and data collection.
• Maintain accurate, well‑organized record keeping and electronic lab notebook for SOP development.
• Prepare slide presentations summarizing key results and communicate findings to broader audiences.
• Maintain laboratory housekeeping, inventory, and equipment upkeep.
• Assist in onboarding research technicians, coordinating training schedules with lab members.
• Assist with regulatory permit submissions for the BRC and USDA guideline training for BRC members.

• Passion for synthetic biology and development of novel, sustainable solutions.
• Experience in microbial cultivation of
  
  E. coli and other host organisms.
• Preferred experience with gram‑positive bacteria, automation tools, high‑throughput assays/workflows, or Next Generation Sequencing data analysis.
• Familiarity with biotechnology software such as Geneious and Snap Gene.
• Strong teamwork, communication, presentation, listening, and organizational skills.
• Self‑starter with attention to detail.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

BS/MS in Biology, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry with 2‑5 years of relevant research experience.

Limited travel required (