Career Opportunities
At Synthetic Genomics, we are using our decades of pioneering research to create new genomic-driven solutions that address global energy and environmental challenges. We are applying both natural and synthetic biological approaches to unlock the potential of plants and microbial resources for the development of commercial solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
We are currently seeking researchers in microbiology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, molecular biology and related fields to join our fast-growing, dynamic and collaborative research team in La Jolla, CA.
We're looking for individuals who are able to solve complex problems independently and as part of a cross-functional team; who possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills; are self-motivated, energetic individuals demonstrating a high level of scientific initiative and aptitude; have strong analytical and organizational skills, and a can-do attitude; attention to detail, safety and follow good laboratory practice.
Synthetic Genomics offers competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package including health and welfare, 401(k) benefits and paid time off. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to hr@syntheticgenomics.com.
Openings
Advanced Plant Feedstocks (#3000-1FG)
Responsibilities
As the Business Development Director you will support the development and implementation of the plant feedstock business strategy. You will be responsible for identifying and creating new business opportunities, executing and managing deals that create value for the company and promoting the cross-functional alignment required for a successful business. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Explore, understand and monitor the plant feedstock market and underlying technologies
- Assess market needs and internal capabilities and identify opportunities
- Elaborate business cases for decision making
- Prepare executive presentations and justify business cases for senior management
- Develop and nurture relationships with potential partners and customers
- In alignment with executive team, structure, execute and manage deals that create value for the company
- Effectively lead or participate on project teams
- Align and manage interface with science team
- In collaboration with subject matter experts, manage Plant Feedstock IP
- Lead the process of turning technologies into commercial solutions and marketing them
- Contribute to execution of global team strategies and marketing plans
- Work in collaboration with a full range of internal and external parties, harnessing the different capabilities required to develop a successful business
Qualifications
- MBA degree from top-tier business school and at least 7 years of solid experience in business preferably in the field of plant sciences or agricultural products.
- Experience negotiating and/or managing agreements with large companies and academic institutions.
- Financial and business acumen and proven skills for commercially successful partnerships and business relationships.
- Self-motivation, strong analytical, team work and communications skills.
Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
Hydrocarbon Recovery and Conversion (#3000-2FG)
Responsibilities
As the Business Development Director you will support the development and implementation of the genomic-driven hydrocarbon recovery and conversion business strategy. You will be responsible for identifying and creating new business opportunities, executing and managing deals that create value for the company and promoting the cross-functional alignment required for a successful business. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Explore, understand and monitor the hydrocarbon recovery market and underlying technologies, specially biological solutions
- Assess market needs and internal capabilities and identify opportunities
- Elaborate business cases for decision making
- Prepare executive presentations and justify business cases for senior management
- Develop and nurture relationships with potential partners and customers
- In alignment with executive team, structure, execute and manage deals that create value for the company
- Effectively lead or participate on project teams
- Align and manage interface with science team
- In collaboration with subject matter experts, manage Hydrocarbon Recovery and Conversion IP
- Lead the process of turning technologies into commercial solutions and marketing them
- Contribute to execution of global team strategies and marketing plans
- Work in collaboration with a full range of internal and external parties, harnessing the different capabilities required to develop a successful business
Qualifications
- MBA degree from top-tier business school and at least 7 years of solid experience in business preferably in the field of oil and gas exploration technologies and/or bioenergy.
- Experience negotiating and/or managing agreements with large companies and academic institutions.
- Financial and business acumen and proven skills for commercially successful partnerships and business relationships.
- Self-motivation, strong analytical, team work and communications skills.
The Director of Process Development will develop conceptual process designs, material & energy balances & cost models for conversion of renewable feedstocks to next-generation fuels. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and at least five years industrial experience with process design, development, scale-up and optimization; a fundamental understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics and transport phenomena in fermentation and downstream recovery processes; and experience with process modeling and simulation software. Previous experience building and leading a highly functional team is required.
The Research Associate will conduct & analyze laboratory-scale fermentations & work closely in a cross-functional team to evaluate & optimize fermentation processes. Candidates must have a minimum B.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology or related field and 1 to 3 yrs post-graduate experience with fermentation process development & optimization. Experience with a variety of industrial microbes & high-throughput micro-scale fermentations is highly desirable.
The Microbiology group is seeking a Research Associate to assist with metagenomics work, including nucleic acid extractions from environmental samples. This successful candidate will be self-motivated, enjoys being challenged & thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications:
- Requires a BA/BS degree in BioChemistry, Molecluar Biology or related field.
- Minimum 1-2 years of industry experience in an R&D or industrial setting.
- Experience with general DNA and RNA molecular biology skills, nucleic acid isolations, purification and cloning, PCR plasmid construction is required.
- Proficient in MS Office applications (Word & Excel).
- Prior experience with library construction and library QC is highly desired.
- In-depth knowledge of common laboratory instrumentation is necessary.
- Ability to write &revise laboratory protocols.
- Effective written & verbal communication skills. Ability to present & explain data within a small group environment is also required.
The Research Associate will be responsible for gene cloning, vector construction, PCR, expression analysis & biochemical assays. Candidates must have a minimum B.S. degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, or related field and 1 to 3 yrs of experience. Prior direct experience with gene cloning & expression in microbes or plants is highly desirable.
The Scientist will run analyses using multiple instrumentations to characterize the microbial metabolism & biotransformations derived from coal conversion into methane. Profound understanding of microbial physiology of anaerobic microorganisms, in particular degradation of compounds for growth (bioremediation or bioconversions) is highly desirable. Candidates should be proficient in setting up analytical methods including chromatographic techniques, sample preparation from complex environments and analysis and deconvolution of data. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology or related field and at least five years experience in industrial setting.
The Scientist will join a dynamic team that is working to develop bio-based fuels & chemicals using photosynthetic microbes as production organisms. Responsibilities will include the development & application of novel metabolic engineering & synthetic biology procedures to the production of superior photosynthetic strains. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with a minimum 0-5 yrs of hands on experience. Experience with photosynthetic microbes is highly desirable.
The Biochemistry & Assay Development group is seeking a Senior Research Associate. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, enjoys being challenged & thrives in a fast-paced environment. The Sr. Research Associate will be a critical resource in configuring & establishing the Biochemistry & Assay Development laboratory. Under minimal supervision, the Sr. Research Associate will provide assay development for Genomics Research & Metabolic Engineering departments. The successful candidate will be proficient in problem solving, an out-of-the-box thinker & will have excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
Qualifications:
- Requires a B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field.
- Minimum 2 to 3 years of industry experience in Analytical Chemistry.
- Previous experience planning & executing complex work assignments.
- Proficient in MS Office applications (Word & Excel).
- Prior experience maintaining & updating information in a database system is required.
- In-depth knowledge of common laboratory instrumentation is necessary.
- Ability to write & revise laboratory protocols.
- Effective written & verbal communication skills.
- Ability to present & explain data within a small group environment is also required.
The Metabolic Engineering Group is seeking a Senior Research Associate who is self-motivated & has a passion for science, to join a cohesive, fast-paced team. Under minimal supervision, this position requires the ability to perform method development, including GC or GC/MS & HPLC, along with the ability to maintain the analytical equipment & carryout troubleshooting. A thorough working knowledge of ChemStation & Agilent equipment is highly desired.
Qualifications:
- Requires a B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field.
- Minimum 2 to 3 years of industry experience in Analytical Chemistry.
- Previous experience planning & executing complex work assignments.
- Proficient in MS Office applications (Word & Excel).
- Prior experience maintaining & updating information in a database system is required.
- In-depth knowledge of common laboratory instrumentation is necessary.
- Ability to write & revise laboratory protocols.
- Effective written & verbal communication skills. Ability to present & explain data within a small group environment is also required.
The Plant Biotechnology Group is seeking a Senior Scientist to assist with the design and development of a research program for plant improvement. This key contributor will work with the scientific and business development teams to implement a broad strategy for the improvement of biofuel crops and will be essential in helping to plan the genetic components of plant projects.
Qualifications:
- Requires a Ph.D. degree in Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Molecular Biology or related field
- Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in Plant Biotechnology.
- Previous experience in plant genetics, including marker-assisted breeding, plant transformation, trait screening and trait gene validation.
- Track record of performance in plant improvement projects.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills. Ability to present & explain scientific concepts, approaches and project results in small and large group settings.