Hardware Engineer (II)

Hardware Engineer (II)#26-12418 $71.64-$86.00 per hour Mountain View, CA All On-site Job Description Research Associate, Strain Build

Location:

On-site - Mountain View, CA Project Overview At A-Life, we are focused on enabling our partners to achieve the biomanufacturing revolution. We are seeking a skilled Research Associate to join our strain engineering effort. The Role As a Research Associate in Strain Build, you will be a core member of the laboratory team, responsible for the hands-on design, build, and validation of engineered microbial strains for internal model data generation and partnered projects. You will work closely with RAs, scientists and engineers to execute high-throughput workflows and ensure the highest quality of molecular biology outputs. Key Responsibilities •

Strain Design:

Starting from high level design objectives, create construct maps and build strategies for the desired strain designs. •

Strain Engineering:

Execute and optimize complex strain construction workflows using modern molecular biology techniques (e.g., Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, CRISPR/Cas9, etc.). •

Laboratory Operations:

Execute high-throughput cloning, DNA preparation, and microbial transformations. •

Troubleshooting:

Identify and resolve technical challenges within the strain-build pipeline to ensure project timelines are met. •

Data Management:

Meticulously document experimental protocols and results in Electronic Lab Notebooks (e.g. Benchling) and internal databases. •

Process Improvement:

Collaborate with the team to refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for increased efficiency and reproducibility. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications •

Education:

B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. •

Industrial Experience:

3 plus years of professional experience in an industrial setting specifically focused on strain build/engineering. •

Technical Mastery:

Proven proficiency in microbial culturing (E. coli or S. cerevisiae), molecular cloning, and genomic integration techniques. •

Precision:

High attention to detail with a track record of executing complex protocols with minimal error. Preferred Qualifications •

Automation:

Experience using liquid handling robots (e.g., Agilent Bravo, Tecan) and automated plate readers. •

Microbial Diversity:

Experience working with microbial hosts beyond E. coli or S. cerevisiae. •

Digital Fluency:

Advanced experience with Benchling or similar LIMS for strain and sample management and molecular biology tools such as Geneious.

EEO:

"Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of - Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans."