Scientist 2, Strain Engineering

ABOUT GREENLIGHT

At GreenLight we are working to solve two of the world's greatest problems: global food insecurity and equal access to vaccines and the associated health benefits. Unlike most corporations who can be required to put profits ahead of other principles, GreenLight is one of the first Public Benefit Corporations to be publicly traded and have a charter that requires a focus on how it benefits its employees, community and society and has a broad portfolio addressing key issues in plant health and human health (Nasdaq: GRNA) by leveraging the full potential of dsRNA and mRNA. The GreenLight team is over 300 people across our headquarters in Medford, MA, an R&D facility in Woburn, MA and an R&D facility in Research Triangle Park, NC. GreenLight also has a biomanufacturing plant in Rochester, NY. Initiatives include finding ways to support biodiversity, protect bees and other pollinators, treat rare diseases as well as develop vaccines.

At GreenLight, we believe inclusion is the way forward. We celebrate the power of working together to address humanity’s challenges, meet the needs of underserved populations, and push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Fueled by our aspiration for a true sense of belonging, our talented teams embody the principles of diversity and equality as we strive to bring food security, medicine, and healthcare to everyone—paving the way for a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.greenlightbio.com.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our team is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated microbial strain engineer to help advance the company’s RNA platform technology. This position will report to the Head of Strain Engineering. Ideal candidates will leverage their prior experience with high-throughput workflows to implement an automated synthetic biology pipeline to build and screen plasmid constructs and production strains for use in the company’s proprietary bioproduction platform. A strong technical background and proficiency in routine molecular biology workflows and wet lab techniques (including microbial culturing, cloning and strain construction) is absolutely required to translate these routine workflows onto a high-throughput basis. Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team setting, are essential. This is a full-time position. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, build and test proof-of-concept plasmid and strain constructs using modular DNA parts assembly and chromosomal editing to build rational libraries
• Collaborate with colleagues in other teams at GreenLight to implement analytical workflows for screening libraries of plasmid and strain constructs for desired traits
• Design and implement a high-throughput process for plasmid and strain construction by recommending equipment purchases and best practices for successful operation
• Carry out small-volume bioreactor experiments to test engineered strains prior to bench-scale fermentor trials
• Design and implement a high-throughput process for testing engineered strains in small-volume reactors prior to bench-scale fermentor trials
• Work with strain engineers and automation scientists to implement and continually improve these high-throughput processes
• Train and collaborate with other GreenLight team members to be able to successful leverage these processes for different projects to facilitate the successful achievement of project goals and milestones in a timely manner
• Work independently and as part of a team on multidisciplinary projects
• Maintain diligent and organized records about experimental protocols, procedures, and results
• Participate in general laboratory activities, such as inventory, equipment maintenance, and laboratory clean-up
• Clearly communicate results and recommendations to colleagues, managers, and senior management, to assist in project decision-making

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Absolute requirement of at least 1-3 years of experience working with high-throughput processes specifically to build plasmids and strains in the biotechnology or biopharmaceutical industries
• Experience in working with Escherichia coli (culturing, aseptic technique, transforming, making chromosomal modifications etc.) is required. Familiarity with other microorganisms would be a plus
• Deep experience with building DNA plasmids employing standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, isothermal assembly, Golden Gate assembly, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing analysis, cell transformation and cell culture
• Strong proficiency in routine molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, restriction digests, microbial transformations, agarose & SDS PAGE gel electrophoresis, plasmid minipreps, using plate readers etc.) is an absolute must
• Proficiency in using Excel, PowerPoint and one or more sequence analysis & design software packages (e.g. Vector NTI, Geneious, SnapGene etc.) is required. Experience working with electronic lab notebooks is preferred
• The successful candidate must be highly motivated and have exceptional written and oral communication, leadership, and teamwork skills and must have high standards for one’s own work. Ability to multitask is essential in this fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to work in shifts / over weekends to meet current social distancing norms in the workspace may be required

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, bioengineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

Greenlight Biosciences Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

GreenLight requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for its employees.