Research Associate, Microbiology
convergentresearch.org
Watertown, MA, USA
Posted on Jul 29, 2024
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 the cultivation of non-model microorganisms, to open new
avenues for science, technology, medicine and agriculture.
We are looking for a microbiologist to help characterize non-model organisms through
culturing and high throughput screening. The successful candidate has experience in
culturing bacteria, yeast or fungi and is comfortable performing hands-on wet lab
experimentation with a variety of microbes. You will work closely with scientists, molecular
biologists and automation engineers in a dynamic research environment.
Responsibilities
We are 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 characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
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 the cultivation of non-model microorganisms, to open new
avenues for science, technology, medicine and agriculture.
We are looking for a microbiologist to help characterize non-model organisms through
culturing and high throughput screening. The successful candidate has experience in
culturing bacteria, yeast or fungi and is comfortable performing hands-on wet lab
experimentation with a variety of microbes. You will work closely with scientists, molecular
biologists and automation engineers in a dynamic research environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on culturing and characterization experiments on diverse organisms using sterile technique.
- Perform high throughput screening of diverse organisms using high-throughput automation.
- Develop protocols and reagents for culturing microbes in diverse growth modalities (plates, flasks, solid media) and media types.
- Perform and record morphological characterization of diverse organisms.
- Procure, prepare, sterilize, and maintain growth media, reagents, and other materials.
- Set up, operate, and maintain microbial laboratory instrumentation (incubators, shakers, plate readers).
- Handling and storing of microbial sample collection with comprehensive labeling and tracking.
- Creatively solve challenging experimental problems.
- Maintain high standards of reproducible and rigorous science, with meticulous documentation.
- Report and analyze data daily in a highly organized manner. Present data to the team.
- Communicate with direct supervisor regularly.
- Write protocols and SOPs for manual and automated experiments.
- Any additional tasks assigned by the team lead.
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through
- actions, interactions, and communications with others
- Passion for breaking barriers in microbiology
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
- BS/MS in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology or related fields is required.
- 1-3 years of hands-on microbial research experience in industry or an academic facility is required, including culturing of diverse organisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi).
- Demonstrated Proficient in microbiology and sterile techniques (preparation of media, glycerol stocks and reagent stocks, sterilization, cell culture, serial dilutions, plating, CFU quantification, streaking, growth curves).
- Ability to ensure quality experimental design (replicates, positive and negative controls) and follow protocols.
- Familiarity with analysis and troubleshooting of microbial growth.
- Familiarity with high-throughput screening.
- Comfortable with using and learning lab automation tools.
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Meticulous record-keeping and highly organized with attention to detail.
- Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills, proclivity for reasoning from first principles.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.
- Proficiency to stay up to date with new technologies/literature related to the field.
- Effective communicator.
- Experience with microscopy.
- Experience with diverse culture methods and microorganisms is a plus (eg: Anaerobic cultivation, Fungal cultivation, Phototrophic microorganisms cultivation, and Fermentation at any scale).
- Proficiency with design of experiments (D.O.E) for process optimization.
- 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.
We are 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 characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.