Scientist, Microbiology

Who we are

Cultivarium is a Focused Research Organization with a mission to accelerate the adoption of new organisms for biotechnology. We are looking for experts who can contribute both individually and as part of a team to create tangible solutions for a ‘moonshot’ project. You will be part of a close-knit, driven team of scientists and engineers that are building technological infrastructure for non-model microorganisms, to open new avenues for science, technology, medicine, and agriculture.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an expert microbiologist to develop new assays and apply them to non-model organisms. You have extensive experience in culturing various aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, or archaea. You are looking for hands-on, wet lab experimentation that involves understudied microbes. You should have the expertise and patience to tackle unexpected hurdles and the creativity to suggest disruptive solutions. You will embrace working closely with molecular biologists, automation, and software engineers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and apply quantitative and scalable microbial assays, such as colorimetric and analytical chemistry measurements, to characterize diverse microbial species.
• Procure reagents, instruments, or organisms.
• Set project milestones and timelines in collaboration with leadership.
• Assist in the selection and prioritization of candidate organisms.
• Analyze and present data to the team and leadership.
• Write protocols and SOPs for manual and automated experiments, prepare internal reports and manuscripts, present results at internal or external scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineers to develop high-throughput automation systems.
• Assess equipment needs, set up, operate, and maintain instrumentation, if needed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize internal communications and processes.
• Produce open-access materials, data reports, and protocols to maximize the impact and reach of Cultivarium’s tools and resources.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others
  
  
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Passion for breaking barriers in microbiology.
• Ph.D. in microbiology, chemical biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, environmental biology, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply quantitative biochemical, enzymatic, metabolic, and phenotypic assays.
• Experience with sterile microbial biology technique Expertise in one or more methods: phenotypic characterization, metabolic assay development, analytical chemistry assays, downstream processing.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, and a proclivity for reasoning from first principles.
• Creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, effective communicator to experts outside of your field.
• Excellent record-keeping ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  
  
  

Advanced Qualifications:

• Experience with molecular tools or genetic engineering in non-model microbes.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as phage genetics, fungal genetics, directed evolution, cell-free protein synthesis.
• Over 2 years of post-graduate industrial experience and/or significant postdoctoral experience in microbial research.
• Experience with high-throughput screening, comfortable with using and learning lab automation tools.
• Familiarity with computational tools and LIMS.
• Experience with anaerobic microbiology.
• Experience in mentoring junior scientists
  
  
  

We Offer:

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through PPO plan options.
• Generous time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Childcare reimbursement benefit.
• Allowance for fitness and wellness activities
  
  
  

Cultivarium aims to help fill a structural gap in today's R&D system by enabling fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination that is not yet rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D as a Focused Research Organization.

Cultivarium, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.