Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate, Metabolic Engineering

Location: Morrisville/RTP, NC – On-Site Employment: Full-Time DMC Employee Compensation: RA: $64,000 –$74,500 / SRA: $75,000 - $87,000 annually, based on experience and position level.
Benefits: Full DMC Employee Benefits Duration: 12-Month Project Position Anticipated Start: October 2026

DMC is a biotechnology company based in Boulder, CO, andRTP, NC. Our Dynamic Metabolic Control™ technology platform delivers robust and predictably scalable biocatalysts resulting in cost-competitive and sustainable processes for everyday chemicals. We are a multi-product bio-based chemical company, working ingeniously to reduce the cost of biochemicals for markets in animal feed, human nutrition, pharmaceutical materials, and chemical intermediates.

We are looking for several Research Associates (RAs) / Senior Research Associates (Sr. RAs) to join our Metabolic Engineering team at our RTP location.

The RA/Sr. RA will work as part of the Metabolic Engineering team and will be responsible for the construction, testing, and optimization of engineered microbial strains at bench scale. The successful candidate will perform hands-on molecular biology and metabolic engineering experiments, conduct high-throughput screening of production strains, and generate high-quality, reliable experimental data through careful and consistent execution. The candidate will accurately document, report, and communicate experimental results, observations, and progress to their manager.

Please note that this position is supported by grant funding and is initially offered as a 12-month term, subject to the terms and duration of the grant.

• Collaborate effectively with scientists and other team members in a cross-functional environment.
• Perform hands-on molecular biology and microbial engineering experiments for the construction of microbial strains, including
  
  E. coli and S. cerevisiae.
• Execute PCR, DNA purification, DNA assembly, transformation, plasmid construction, strain construction, and related molecular biology experiments.
• Perform high-throughput screening and characterization of engineered production strains.
• Operate laboratory automation systems, including liquid handlers, for production strain screening and other workflows.
• Conduct fermentation and/or cultivation experiments at bench scale (96-well plates, Biolector, shake flasks, etc.) and collect high-quality experimental data.
• Conduct basic data analysis using Python or Excel and apply data-driven approaches to identify trends and generate hypotheses.
• Follow, maintain, and contribute to the development and revision of SOPs and experimental procedures.
• Prepare reagents and materials for the Met Eng team's daily work, including media, buffers, and stock solutions.
• Prepare glassware and equipment to support ongoing experimental work.
• Assist in general laboratory management, including inventory, ordering, and organization.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and a safe work environment.
• Record data accurately in electronic lab systems and report deviations or anomalies.

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• RA: 0–3+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
  Sr. RA: 2–5+ years of relevant industry or academic research experience, with demonstrated ability to independently execute complex experimental workflows.
• Must be a self-starter who is motivated and scientifically curious, pays close attention to detail, and works effectively and collaboratively with team members.
• Experience with PCR, plasmid construction, DNA assembly, transformation, and microbial strain development.
• Experience following detailed SOPs and experimental procedures.
• Strong organizational…