Sr. Scientist / Scientist, Molecular Biology & Product Development

Tierra Biosciences, a venture capital backed life science company, has pioneered a novel high-throughput protein production platform that produces hundreds of custom proteins on-demand. Our platform can make proteins faster than other technologies and has the potential to onboard novel methods quickly. We use cell-free synthetic biology to bring the power and throughput of genomics technologies into protein production. Our diverse range of customers engage in the creation of pioneering products in therapeutics, chemistry, biotechnology, agriculture, and food. At Tierra Biosciences, we play a pivotal role in expediting our customers' scientific exploration, enabling them to swiftly transform ideas into market-ready, life-changing innovations.

The Scientist of Molecular Biology & Product Development will use their experience in product development and technology development to help advance the Tierra Protein Platform. This person will need to wear multiple different technical hats, from DNA construction, cell-free protein synthesis to E. coli strain engineering. A successful candidate in this role will work closely with the R&D team and process and manufacturing engineers creating a world class cell-free protein synthesis platform to serve our customers.

Requirements

Job Duties:

• Conduct product development to transition technology from bench-scale processes to manufacturing-scale processes.
• Lead the advancement of Tierra’s DNA technologies.
• Perform simple strain modifications in standard laboratory bacterial strains.
• Build relationships and communicate directly with outside vendors and consultants.

Position Requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a related discipline, with 3+ years of industry experience; MS with 3+ years of industry experience or BS with 5+ years of industry experience will be considered.
• Highly skilled in molecular biology techniques and quality control procedures.
• Experience with laboratory platform development and technology transfer.
• Firsthand experience developing automated laboratory workflows.
• Proficient with microbial strain engineering.
• Ability to wear multiple hats, problem solve and promote innovation within a fast-paced and cross-functional environment.
• Be highly motivated, self-directed, hands-on, and results oriented.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organization skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 mediated E. coli strain engineering.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Experience with standard protein quality control techniques.

Benefits

Tierra offers competitive salaries, a good equity program, and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and 401(k). Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We are not able to sponsor individuals for employment visas for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification form upon hire. This position is based in our San Leandro, CA location.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

The expected base salary range for this role is $115,000 - $150,000. Compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, and internal equity.