Scientist, Genetic Engineering

Evolutia Bio is a leading biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable ingredients. Evolutia Bio’s team has a proven track record of devolving and commercializing bio-based manufacturing processes and products to benefit our partnerships and their customers.

Position Title: Scientist, Genetic Engineering

Position Summary:

In this role, you will specialize in applying multiplexed HTP approaches for enzyme and pathway host engineering in microorganisms (Yeast and E.coli ). You will be responsible for identifying improved strains based on performance and yield of target compounds as well as transferring technologies between company and manufacturing partners. Experience using synthetic DNA and gene-editing tools to create and integrate large, diverse DNA libraries for HTP screening, as well as constructing large-genome wide knockouts and overexpression libraries will prove pivotal.

Education:

Ph.D. or equivalent in genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, enzyme engineering, or related fields.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Hands on experience working with lab automation equipment such as robotic liquid handlers (e.g., TECAN Fluent, Opentrons)
• Maintain timely documentation of laboratory work using Benchling and supporting software
• Practice excellent housekeeping and safety; excellent communication, documentation, and organization skills
• Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing needs
• Have good record keeping, ability to write SOPs and clearly communicate in writing and presentations
• A strong desire to grow as a scientific researcher, learn new techniques and adopt new technologies for process improvements

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Build site saturation mutagenesis and combinatorial libraries for enzyme evolution campaigns
• Build Yeast/Bacterial strains for HTPS and for Production scale settings
• Apply a broad range of analytical methods including PCR, DNA electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, DNA extraction, DNA sequencing, molecular cloning, gene editing (CRISPR, HR), protein extraction, and other plate-based assays to QC and validate strains
• Utilize yeast physiology knowledge to identify, engineer and resolve biosynthetic pathway bottlenecks
• Keep up to date with current literature in molecular biology tool development such as advancements in gene-editing and implement innovative technologies as relevant
• Follow protocols for building/cloning multi-gene DNA assemblies/libraries in yeast
• Take an active role in sequence/activity data analysis and offer strategic recommendations based on interpretation of data for subsequent strain/enzyme engineering decisions.
• Improve protocols for high efficiency transformation of libraries into expression host microbes such as yeast and in-house automation platforms and high throughput workflows to increase experimental throughput
• Provide written documentation and specifications of genetic engineering workflows (SOP’s)
• Work in partnership and collaboration with molecular, computational, fermentation and analytical scientists to meet company goals/milestones
• Participate in a rapid “Design/Build/Test/Learn” cycle with other lab scientists to meet company goals/milestones
• Collaborate closely with upstream process team to develop strains/enzymes toward commercial targets, report writing and tech transfers
• Coordinate with assay team to perform hypothesis-driven wet-lab experiments in microtiter plates and shake flasks to improve strain/enzyme metric
• Communicate and present experimental set up and results to various stakeholders across functional teams and partners

Preferred Experience:

2+ years demonstrated experience in enzyme/strain engineering of eukaryotic microorganisms e.g., S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris using high throughput DNA library construction techniques in an industrial research setting (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or Life Sciences Industries).

Background in ELN and LIMS for data capture and tracking, gene editing technologies and working in a high-throughput environment strongly preferred for production of natural products and/or small molecules. Experience in protein engineering or directed evolution using high-throughput systems and assays as well as in working with automated platforms (PCR, cloning, microbial transformation, homologous recombination, sequencing, and CRISPR-based integration).

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks using hands and wrists.
• Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing.
• Compliance with lab safety practices and PPE usage (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses) when entering lab areas.

Employment Details:

• Full-time with benefits
• Onsite in Sunnyvale, CA
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• No Visa sponsorship
• No Travel Required

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary package
• 4 weeks of accrued paid time off / vacation and company holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan management
• Opportunities for professional development

Equal Employer Opportunity: Evolutia Bio is an equal opportunity employer, and it’s committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.