Research Assistant, Strain Engineering - Willow Biosciences

About Willow Biosciences: Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company that develops biobased processes for production of ingredients in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and consumer care sectors. Willow’s FutureGrown^TM and BioOxi^TM platforms were built to revolutionize industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable ingredients with sustainability at its core. Our fully integrated bio-based processes are more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective than traditional extraction or chemical synthesis routes and typically provide products of higher purity and yield.

Mission, Values and Beliefs: At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity compounds to market through scalable and cost-effective bio-based processes. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun while we are at it!

Position: Research Assistant, Strain Engineering: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant to join our Strain Engineering team and contribute to metabolic engineering of biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms, particularly yeast. The successful candidate will have strong molecular biology skills, and practical experience using synthetic DNA and gene-editing tools to create and clone diverse DNA libraries. Knowledge of genome editing, protein engineering, yeast physiology, and/or recombinant protein production is a plus. A strong desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment is preferred. 

Education & Experience: B.S in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. 1-3+ years’ demonstrated experience in a high-throughput environment working with DNA library construction/cloning techniques (PCR, cloning, microbial transformation, homologous recombination, sequencing, and CRISPR-based integration), in an industrial research setting (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or Life Sciences Industries). 

Responsibilities Include:

• Prepare DNA libraries for Nanopore sequencing (in-house) and load DNA libraries into the flow-cell.
• Work with scientists to design and build single-gene, multi-gene, and combinatorial libraries for yeast strain improvement.
• Utilize and improve protocols for building/cloning multi-gene DNA assemblies/libraries in yeast.
• Participation in a rapid “Design/Build/Test/Learn” cycle with other lab scientists to meet company goals/milestones.
• Utilize and improve protocols for high efficiency transformation of libraries into expression host microbes.
• Work with scientists to develop automation platforms and high throughput workflows to increase experimental throughput.
• Apply a broad range of standard molecular biology methods including PCR, electrophoresis, plasmid preparation and transformation to QC and test strains.
• Hands on experience working with lab automation equipment such as robotic liquid handlers (e.g., Bravo, QPix, Opentrons, TECAN). 
• Utilize and improve protocols for high throughput sequencing of improved strains.
• Maintain timely documentation of laboratory work.
• Provide written documentation and specifications of strain engineering workflows (SOP’s).

Job Requirements:                  

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills (oral and written) 
• Ability to communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds 
• Attention to detail, safety, good laboratory practice, and maintenance of a high degree of accuracy while working in high throughput 
• Ability to track documentation, have good record keeping and write reports and SOPs 
• Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing needs 
• Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines 
• Work in partnership with other scientists (molecular biologists, computational biologists, and analytical scientists) to meet company goals/milestones 
• Capable of high performance in independent work as well as in team setting 
• A strong desire to grow as a scientific researcher, learn new techniques and adopt new technologies for process improvements 
• Experience working with ELN and LIMS (Benchling) 
• Proficiency with MS Office suite 

Physical Demands: 

• Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods 
• Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists 
• Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves) 
• Ability to lift up to ~10kg (~22lbs)

Position Type: Onsite, full-time position 

Travel: No 

Work Authorization: The ability to legally work in the United States (as a citizen, resident or holding a current and valid work permit) at time of hire

Benefits:  

• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience 
• Paid vacation and eligibility to participate in company bonus and stock option plans 
• Healthcare benefits – medical, vision, dental and 401k
• Opportunities for professional development 
• Company/team wide social events  

Equal Opportunity Employment 

Willow Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. We are 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 need.