Job Title: Research Scientist, Strain and Enzyme Engineering

Work Location: Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Summary:

Seeking a motivated scientist to drive the development and optimization of microbial strains and enzymes for advanced biomanufacturing applications. This role involves hands-on research, creative problem-solving, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to enhance strain performance and scale promising candidates.

Responsibilities:

• Design and optimize biosynthetic pathways in microbial hosts by identifying and addressing metabolic bottlenecks using advanced metabolic engineering and synthetic biology techniques.
• Apply iterative design-build-test-learn strategies to engineer and evaluate enzyme variants, improving pathway activity and overcoming technical limitations.
• Construct and validate genetic vectors for gene expression and pathway engineering, utilizing molecular biology tools in microbial systems.
• Generate and modify microbial strains, including E. coli, using genome editing methods such as recombineering and CRISPR-based techniques.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening workflows to assess strain and enzyme performance, identifying top candidates for further development.
• Operate analytical instrumentation, such as GC and LC, to quantitatively evaluate strain productivity, yield, and product profiles.
• Formulate and test scientific hypotheses, translating experimental data into actionable strategies and innovative solutions for technical challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in strain engineering, fermentation, analytics, and downstream processing, while maintaining accurate experimental records and timely data management.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with genetic engineering tools, including cloning, pathway assembly, and chromosomal manipulation.
• Knowledge of enzyme engineering and iterative DBTL workflows.
• Expertise in microbial physiology and metabolism.
• Experience engineering E. coli or similar microorganisms is highly valued.
• Analytical chemistry experience, including operation of GC, LC, and LC/MS instruments, is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, quick learner, and adaptable to dynamic environments.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative team-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to high professional, scientific, and ethical standards.

Published Category: Discovery Research & Preclinical