Research Associate - 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 research associate to help advance the company’s RNA platform technology. This position will report to the Head of Strain Engineering. Ideal candidates will be an integral part of the Strain Engineering Team supporting R&D efforts by preparing and ensuring the quality of microbial cell banks that need to be delivered to internal and external customers according to tight timelines. Additionally, the successful candidate will reliably keep track of commonly used media, reagents and electrocompetent cells and proactively prepare new batches when inventories run low. Candidates who possess demonstrated proficiency with molecular biology techniques and experience with high-throughput production and screening of plasmid and strain constructs will be given priority. Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team setting, are absolutely essential. This is a full-time position. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use good sterile technique to make microbial cell banks and carry out small-scale fermentation experiments to evaluate strain growth and production metrics
• Ensure the quality of microbial cell banks by carrying out release protocols and communicating results
• Analyze fermentation samples from the Process Development Team to evaluate production strain stability
• Support the Strain Engineering Team by making media, solutions, competent cells, and other common-use reagents and ensure that inventories are not depleted
• Collaborate with other GreenLight team members to facilitate the successful achievement of team goals and milestones on tight timelines
• 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

• 1-3 years of experience in the biotechnology or biopharmaceutical industries is desired
• Experience in working with Escherichia coli using aseptic technique for culturing, transforming, making chromosomal modifications etc. is required
• Familiarity with microorganisms other than coli would be a plus
• Proficiency in routine molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, DNA cloning, restriction digestion, microbial transformation, agarose gel electrophoresis, plasmid purification, using plate readers etc.) is required
• Experience translating bench-scale experiments to high throughput workflows and working with automated liquid handling equipment is desirable
• Proficiency in using Excel, PowerPoint and one or more sequence analysis & design software (e.g., Vector NTI, Geneious, SnapGene etc.) is required. Experience working with electronic lab notebooks is desired.
• The successful candidate must be highly motivated with exceptional communication, leadership, and teamwork skills and must have high standards for one’s own work. Multitasking is essential.
• Flexibility to work in shifts / over weekends to meet current social distancing norms in the workspace may be needed

EDUCATION

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s 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.