Senior Research Associate - Strain Engineering

Are you ready for a new beginning?

We need your talent, knowledge and dedication to better our world with biology.

Our purpose points the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

We're here to better our world with biology.

Join us as our new Senior Research Associate

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our Strain Engineering Department within our R&D site located in Davis, California. The site of 65+ employees in Davis works together to unlock the potential of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi as biological solutions to address the needs of our world. We foster a collaborative environment with a shared vision for pursuing science that has an impact, by working smartly and enjoying the scientific journey.

In this role you'll make an impact by:

• Working in cross-functional teams at Novonesis and with two academic collaborators using AI-inspired protein design to create, test, and develop improved enzymes and microbes to support a grant funded project.

• Applying tools of strain design and engineering for the purpose of enzyme production to a diverse collection of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi

• Uncovering connections between genotypes and key phenotypes in iterative design, build, test, learn cycles

• You will be an active participant in research planning, testing, discussions, and deciding what's next for the project in conjunction with the collaborative project team.

Minimum Job requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or related scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

• Solid conceptual and practical knowledge of molecular biology including CRISPR tools

• Experience genetically engineering at least one of the following organism types, E. coli, Bacillus sp., K. phaffii (Pichia) yeast and/or filamentous fungi

• A strong desire to work as a member of an empowered, cross-disciplinary problem-solving team

• A mindset that embraces challenging science, recognizes change as an opportunity and finds satisfaction in team success

• Strong written and oral communication skills

Prior experience with one or more of the following is especially beneficial in this position:

• Contributed to strain improvement programs focused on small molecule production or other applied objectives

• Designing and executing biochemical assays to measure enzyme expression and activity or small molecule production, including spectrophotometric or fluorescence assays.

• Experience developing and utilizing small scale experiments to evaluate candidate strains hundreds or thousands at a time.

• Experience utilizing cell free systems to express enzymes (e.g. in vitro transcription translation / IVTT)

• Prior work with enzymatic glycosylation chemistries, including glycosyltransferases.

• Familiarity with Benchling or other similar electronic laboratory notebook system

• Operating and programming liquid handling robots (Biomek, Hamilton, or Opentrons)

• Familiarity with statistical software including JMP

• Python coding experience for scientific data analysis

Application deadline: July 30, 2025

Expected salary range: $77,000-$92,000

(Position will be hired at a level commensurate with relevant experience)

This position will support an externally funded grant, and employment is contingent on continued funding. The initial term of hire will be for two years with ability to renew contingent on continued funding from the funding agency.

Employment for this term limited position will be at will. You or Novonesis may terminate this employment relationship at any time with or without reason.

Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution!

• Minimum of 3 weeks vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance

• Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution

• Employee assistance program

• Parental leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• All benefits begin on your first day!

Could our purpose be yours? Then apply today!

At Novonesis we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. We recommend you not to attach a cover letter to your application. Instead, please include a few sentences in your resume/CV about why you are applying. To ensure a fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your resume/CV.

Novonesis is dedicated to fostering a unique community by embracing and respecting differences. We make all employment decisions based on business needs, ensuring that every individual can thrive, regardless of identity or background such as ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Want to learn more?

Learn more about Novonesis, our purpose, and your career opportunities at novonesis.com

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